Routines feel good. There is something inside each of us that wants to to know what to do and what comes next. It's the first question out of my children's mouth every. single. morning. "What are we doing today?"
Knowing what's happening makes us feel comfortable and in control. It helps us create a stable daily life. Waking up to your favorite cup of coffee, sitting in the same spot at dinner each evening, watching a favorite tv show at night, and yet, sometimes shaking it up is the best way to grow.
But simple avoiding repetition isn't the only reason to break your comfy routine. There are serious health benefits to be gained by mixing it up: creatively, mentally and physically.
Here are 3 reasons to try something new!
- It slows down time.
Who hasn’t at some point said to themselves (or more likely written it on an instagram post ) “I wish time would just slow down.” Well, here’s your chance to make it happen.
When you experience something novel, it seems to have lasted longer, according to neuroscientist David Eagleman, Ph.D., "Time is this rubbery thing...it stretches out when you really turn your brain resources on, and when you say, 'Oh, I got this, everything is as expected,' it shrinks up," says Eagleman.
So, how can you really take control of your time? Do something new! Try a new workout, sport or activity. Take up knitting, join a community theatre, learn a new language. To lengthen your weekend hours, try exploring a new hiking spot, or finding a new healthy restaurant, or playing a new game. Just do something, anything, you've never done before and enjoy the extra time you’ve created!
- Stimulates the Brain
As humans, we are exceptional at two things: learning and adapting. Our bodies do it everyday without us even noticing. We get a bruise, our body goes to work cleaning up the spill. We start a new workout and just barely survive, but our body quickly learns how to be more efficient and we adjust to the push. Our bodies are capable of acclimating to temperature, time zones, and altitudes. Basically, our bodies adjust, acclimate and finally, settle into a routine.
When you try something new you are essentially forcing your brain and body to very quickly make sense of a completely new set of circumstances, and then figure out how to best accommodate those circumstances.
So, if you decide to try your hand at drawing, your brain is working in an entirely unique way. It’s tapping into our bodies' innate creativity and finding a new path to succeed. You are training your body and mind to think outside the box each time you try something new!
- Releases Fear
Probably the number one reason for not trying something new is fear. Fear creates questions we don’t have the answers too. It’s our reaction to the unknown and it cripples us from moving forward.
Trying new things is the very best way to overcome the power of fear in our lives. As you practice, fear is pushed to the back and your true self takes over. It’s a confidence boost! And the more confidence you have the happier you are with yourself and the more you can enjoy all that life has to offer!
Whatever it is that you decide to pursue you will come out of trying new things happier, more joy filled and excited about life. And who knows what adventures, opportunities and pleasures that will come your way!
Personally, between losing my dad and then subsequently building a brand to continue his work, my last few years have been solely about learning new things. There has never been a time in my life where I was pushed harder to learn and adapt. From manufacturing to creating email automations, web design to running a meeting, I have daily overcome challenges and learned new life skills. If I’m honest, it’s been the most exhilarating years of my life. I would never have known the amazing things I could do or accomplish.
So, go for it! Take a few minutes to jot down some things you’ve always wanted to learn, skills you one day hoped to develop or adventures you hoped to take. Now is the time to embrace your life and try something new. Your future self will thank you.
Chelsea, Co-Founder of Dr Barry's Remedies
