Do New Things
By Ronald Laubenstein [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
When we were kids, everything was new.
I grew up in Southeast Alaska, and everything was an adventure. My comrades and I would spend hours building forts, climbing trees, swimming in the Pacific and catching bullheads with our hands.
We practiced for circuses we never put on, we opened popsicle businesses, we caught sea urchins and sold their shells to local tourists. We played for hours in old WW II bunkers, swung on tree swings, and biked all over our small island. There were always new things to do, new ideas to try.
When I got older, the novel things became less in frequency, but bigger. Moving to NYC with $500 and no job, summering in Guatemala while learning Spanish, teaching in the South Bronx and then the Upper West Side.
But lately? Life hasn't held much new. I get my fix for novelty by moving the furniture in my classroom every 2 weeks. And changing toothpaste brands. And spending hours on Pinterest dreaming of things I would do if I had the time and money.
5 months ago I somewhat spontaneously decided to start Crossfit. I had been stationary and inactive physically for a long time, and needed exercise. After researching gyms, I jumped in. It's easily one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Besides the physical strength I'm gaining, and inches I'm losing, the biggest payoff has been in mindset. I'm more confident, more comfortable in my own skin, and much more positive in my outlook.
Brain research in animals suggest that novelty increases our ability to create new connections between neurons, which gives us the ability to learn better. Novelty also releases dopamine, which acts as a motivator for us to explore more.
http://blog.bufferapp.com/novelty-and-the-brain-how-to-learn-more-and-improve-your-memory
Before crossfit, I was stagnating and bored. The changes it has brought, make me excited for the next new thing. I'm considering taking up photography, electric violin, swing dancing, learning to draw, and starting a soap-making business. Maybe all of the above.
Do new things. It helps your brain.