In 2014, Tabitha Brown found herself longing for more satisfaction in her life. She was a busy mother of two with a demanding career, and she felt stuck in a rut. Determined to change things up, Brown embarked on a 30-day experiment in which she tried something new each day. From exploring new foods to experimenting with new hairstyles, Brown chronicled her experiences in her book “I Did a New Thing: 30 Days to Living Free.”
According to Brown, many of us become accustomed to feeling down because we get exhausted by the same old routine. She believes that trying something new and paying attention to the positive emotions it brings can help us rediscover what we love about ourselves and our lives. This notion is supported by a growing body of scientific research.
Habituation, a phenomenon identified by Tali Sharot, a professor of cognitive neuroscience, explains why we often grow tired of our daily routines. Our brains stop responding to things that remain constant, which is necessary for filtering out the old and expected. While this habituation is beneficial for negative emotions like grief, it can diminish our enjoyment of positive experiences.
When we experience novelty, our brains release dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, attention, mood, and movement. This dopamine release drives motivation and creates a feedback loop that pushes us to seek out more new experiences. Alane Daugherty, co-director of the Mind and Heart Research Lab, explains that novelty amplifies our already good habits and refreshes the novelty aspect of activities we enjoy.
To introduce more novelty into your life, consider exploring new places within your weekly routine. Even something as simple as visiting a new coffee shop or changing your walking route can provide a lift and boost positive emotions. Researchers have found that people who visit a greater variety of places report feeling more positive emotions.
Taking breaks from the things you love can also generate a mood boost. By temporarily distancing oneself from enjoyable activities, you can experience the novelty effect upon reintroduction. Daugherty suggests cutting back on indulgences and saving them for special occasions to enhance the pleasure derived from them.
In terms of timing, shorter and more frequent bursts of novelty can be more beneficial than extended periods. Sharot’s research on vacationers revealed that people tend to be happiest during the “firsts” of their trips. To maximize the psychological benefits of “firsts,” incorporating smaller and more frequent novel experiences might be key.
It’s important to note, however, that not all novelty is positive. Daugherty cautions against engaging in over-the-top activities solely for the dopamine hit. Novelty seeking behavior, which involves dangerous or harmful actions, is a psychological condition that requires professional help.
These ideas about the benefits of novelty and new experiences have broader implications in our lives. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, it’s easy to feel burned out and dissatisfied. Incorporating novelty can help us break free from monotony and reinvigorate our lives. This applies to various areas, including work, relationships, and personal growth.
In the current world, where the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted familiar routines and limited travel, finding novelty may require creative solutions. Exploring new hobbies, trying different cuisines at home, or engaging in virtual cultural experiences can offer opportunities for novelty when physical options are limited. Embracing change and seeking out new experiences, no matter how small, can positively impact our well-being.
Looking forward, the emphasis on novelty and exploration is likely to continue as people seek meaningful ways to break free from routine and find joy in their lives. With advancements in technology and the increasing availability of virtual experiences, the possibilities for incorporating novelty are expanding.
As industries adapt to the demand for novelty, there are numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. Businesses can focus on providing unique and varied experiences, whether in the form of products, services, or entertainment. The rise of personalized and immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, presents exciting avenues for delivering novelty to consumers.
Furthermore, as society becomes more aware of the benefits of novelty, there is potential for greater emphasis on work-life balance and the incorporation of new experiences into everyday routines. Employers may recognize the importance of providing opportunities for employees to explore and try new things, fostering a more engaging and satisfying work environment.
In conclusion, the power of novelty in enhancing our well-being and satisfaction cannot be understated. Incorporating new experiences and exploring the unknown can rejuvenate our lives and instill a sense of joy and fulfillment. As we navigate the future, embracing novelty and seeking out new opportunities will be key to leading fulfilling and meaningful lives.