When we’re curious, amazing things happen to our brain

After nine years in the UAE, surrounded by Arabic, I suddenly decided to learn this beautiful yet difficult language a year ago. Why? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. Maybe it was simply curiosity kicking in, once again.

My passion for curiosity ignited during my move abroad ten years ago. The unfamiliar surroundings sparked a sense of wonder, driving me to explore, connect with new people, and embrace different perspectives. Curiosity became my guide, leading me towards a richer, more fulfilling life.

As I was diving deeper into curiosity, I discovered the fascinating science behind this innate human trait. This understanding, I believe, can transform how we learn and grow, allowing us to fully harness curiosity's power.

What happens in our brain when we are curious?

Dopamine, often associated with pleasure and reward, surges in the brain when we are curious. This surge acts as a motivator, driving us to seek out answers and explore the unknown. In fact, our brains rewarding learning aligns with the idea that curiosity was crucial for our ancestors' survival.

Several key brain regions become more active during curiosity: ?

• Hippocampus: This region plays a crucial role in memory formation. When we are curious, the hippocampus becomes more active, helping us better encode and retain new information. ?
• Prefrontal Cortex: This region is responsible for higher-level thinking, including decision-making and planning. During curiosity, the prefrontal cortex helps us focus our attention and strategize how to satisfy our curiosity. ?
• Nucleus Accumbens: This region is part of the brain's reward system. When we are curious, the nucleus accumbens becomes active, providing a sense of pleasure and anticipation as we pursue new knowledge. ?

Curiosity acts as a powerful learning tool. When we are curious, we are more likely to pay attention, process information deeply, and retain what we learn. This is because curiosity activates the brain's reward system, making the learning process more enjoyable and engaging.

Finally, curiosity can also spark creativity. When we are curious, we are more open to new ideas and perspectives. This can lead to innovative thinking and problem-solving.

The happy curious mind

Isn't happiness something we all seek?

I've noticed a powerful connection between curiosity and happiness, especially in my own life. Moving from Germany to the UAE as an expat significantly boosted my happiness. Of course, the UAE's sunshine is a definite perk! But I think the real key was how curiosity drove me to explore and discover, creating a deeper sense of fulfillment. It's not just my experience: studies show a strong correlation between curiosity and overall happiness.

Meaning & Purpose: Curiosity leads us to discover new interests, passions, and perspectives. This broadens our horizons and increases our sense of meaning and purpose in life, both of which are crucial for happiness.

Growth & Mental Health: A curious mind is rarely bored. The constant search for new knowledge and experiences keeps life interesting, preventing feelings of stagnation or monotony, which can lead to unhappiness. Curious individuals are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks. Their ability to learn from new experiences and adapt to changing circumstances makes them more resilient and less prone to negative emotions like anxiety and depression.

Connection & Belonging: Curiosity often leads to engaging conversations and interactions with others. Sharing our discoveries and learning from others fosters a sense of connection and belonging, both key ingredients for happiness.

Have you ever paid attention to the link between curiosity and happiness?

I invite you to subscribe to this newsletter, where I will unpack the fascinating world of curiosity. Join the community of curious minds and let's explore together.