The Benefits of Novelty and Why Being a Tourist in Daily Life is Like Finding the Fountain of Youth

How do you feel when you go somewhere new?

A bit excited?

Maybe just a little more curious?

Perhaps you’re more open to meeting new people and/or seeing new things?

There’s just something about going someplace different.

The anticipation of the unknown and novelty of the experience can break down barriers and open us up to possibilities that we may otherwise normally ignore – often sparking curiosity and greater learning.

Adventures in Novelty…Not Older, But Wiser

Last weekend was my birthday (it’s ok, you’re reading this and that’s present enough :)

So, I went to Montreal.

It’s all part of my working theory that the year doesn’t count toward your age if you celebrate outside the country you live in…

And while I somewhat jokingly say that I’m going to continue with it, until someone proves me wrong :)

Over 50K steps, several new friends, and experiences later I returned home happier and more excited about another year despite major plane delays, dashes through airports, and lost luggage.

New adventures with the right attitude sparked a sense of joy and wonder that, at the very least I often lack in the mundanity of my everyday life.

But don’t take my word or somewhat questionable theories at face value, there’s a scientific basis to it.

When we include exciting, novel experiences in our lives it can promote neurobiological changes that improve our learning and memory.

We’re born to seek out new experiences.?All that you have to do is spend time with children to see this is true, but along the way, we forget, which is why these reminders are so important.

So, while I may not be getting chronologically younger (TBD), I’m most definitely getting wiser – about certain things.

When we do something that we’ve never done before our brain pays more attention and we’re more likely to remember it.

It’s because these new stimuli promote activity in different parts of the brain, but mainly in the hippocampus, which helps to consolidate memory.

The more diverse the experiences are from our norm, the better because they will provoke responses all over your brain, which is also why novelty can promote better learning.

The question then becomes how to create similar opportunities in our daily lives.

If you wait for your birthday or next vacation it’s not, to (greatly) paraphrase the wonderful poet Mary Oliver, the best use of “your one wild and precious life.”

We live in a rapidly changing world, where in order to keep up we often have to filter out a lot of what may very well be the best parts.

Instead, might I suggest you play tourist at home, seeking out the new and different in your everyday life… all without having to worry about your luggage being lost!

Below are a few suggestions to help get you started.

The Wonder of it All

1.???Try Something New:??we are creatures of habit, particularly in our post-COVID, remote work world. However, “new” doesn’t need to mean a big change it can be as simple as going a new route to work or your favorite coffee shop or listening to new music, or (safely) talking to a stranger.

2.???Find Your Inner Awe:?There’s so much in our daily lives that we miss. This isn’t surprising given the level of sensory stimulation we face and how busy we all are with well, being busy.

For just a few minutes, slow down and really see what’s around you. One of my personal favorites is just examining nature. You don’t need to stop and smell the roses, but when was the last time you really looked at one??

3.???Just Ask:?We’re lucky to live in a time where we can easily, virtually connect to people all over the world, and in places like my hometown of New York, the world is already all around you. When was the last time you asked someone where they or their family were from? what they liked doing for fun? or what they were listening to or reading lately?…what someone else may be taking for granted as part of their “boring” day may make for a new and exciting conversation for both of you.

None of this is necessarily new…unless, of course, you want it to be :).