The Health Benefits of Trying New Things

I'm sure you've heard the old saying, 'Variety', is the spice of life.

I'm aware that like most of us, we find a lot of comfort in routine. You may be a person who likes waking up to your favorite cup of coffee every morning, or maybe you're guilty of sitting in front of the TV each night to watch your favorite soap opera. Whatever, you recognize as your comfortable daily routine - it's important to become aware that research is highlighting that doing the same thing day in and day out; cannot only lead onto brain stagnation, but also premature aging.

What happens to you when you fall into this daily routine trap?

Put simply, your Brain becomes stuck, and it gets stagnant. Even reaching the point, whereby the same-old routine, can over time, also wear us down as the activities we pursue become mundane. In other words, you've lost that experience of joy and excitement, that was so evident early on.

At this point, I will let you into a personal secret.

It was not until I reached 50 years of age that I started to sit down and actually read a book all the way through. Now these days, I wander what I would do, if I did not have a book in front of me to read. This actual activity of just reading a book led me on to becoming a writer. Just think, if I would not have participated in something new. In short, you would not be reading this blog right now.

Therefore, in order to get the ‘brain unstuck’ and get those neural networks firing again, it's important to find something new to do. Preferably, something that can challenge you a bit or an activity that takes some time to pursue and something you can do regularly. Remember the old saying, 'change is as good as a rest'?

Why is trying new things good for you?

Professor Rudolf Tanzi says that when new synapses and neural circuits are promoted, then it can have a ripple effect. In that, it can directly regulate mood and prevent depression. In actual fact, some of the research studies that I reviewed, went onto to imply that people of any age have the ability to learn new things. You just need to break out of any old habits of the type that are sadly dragging their brain into stagnation.

According to Dr. Kathryn Papp, a neuro-psychologist and instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School in the U.S. - we really don't know the exact reasons why mental and social engagement may protect our thinking skills, but we do have some ideas. Dr. Kapp explains that learning a new skill can actually lead to change in the adult brain and further states;

"Until the mid-1990s, we thought that people were born with however many brain cells they would die with. We now know that the growth of new cells—a process called neurogenesis occurs throughout life, even in older age.  It may create new connections between brain cells by changing the balance of available neurotransmitters and changing how connections are made."[1]

How to try New things?

Pushing yourself out of a daily routine or for a better description - your 'comfort zone' may not come easy at first, but now that you understand the benefits of doing so, it will make you understand why you have to challenge yourself.

Let me be honest by saying it takes a bit of courage and willpower to climb away from your comfort zone. Then add to the mix, the potential negativity or stumbling blocks that you may place in the way as an excuse not to do so (e.g. kids, money, lack of time, work, de-motivation, etc.).

It's beneficial to first look for activities that incorporate brain stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement. Ultimately, the best activities are the ones that you find enjoyable.

Although the Covid pandemic has restricted traveling - maybe try traveling to new local frontiers, or get out and explore your own backyard so to speak. Why not attend a different event or visit the local museum or just go for a walk in parts of your local countryside you haven't visited before. Maybe, make a telephone call an old friend or family member you haven't spoke to for a long time, or just visit them.

Additionally, why not explore a new hobby or even learning a new language is an interesting task. Similarly, learning how to play an instrument; such as, a guitar or violin can be so beneficial to
your new brain development. Plus, it has the added advantage of being a skill that you can use throughout your life.

You could even participate in low key activities. By this, I mean learning how to play chess or how to operate a camera and then taking photos of things that you like. What about learning to make bread or grow veggies. All these factors combine to 'Get the Brain Unstuck' and keep you healthy.

The ability to learn new things' is in your hands, and it's often difficult to take the first step - but once you do, all can change. I am sure that there may be something in your mind that you have always wanted to pursue or realize a vision of something you would like to try or to see. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of willpower and determination. And, the moral of the story of life and living healthier is;

'Just do something you've never done before'.

Refs:

1] Harvard Health Publishing (2015). 'Rev up your thinking skills by trying something new.' Harvard Health Letter. Published: December, 2015. Online article cited at https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging/rev-up-your-thinking-skills-by-trying-something-new.

Image Credits:

1. Pexels - Andrea Piacquadio 2. Pexels - Pixabay  3. Pexels - Andrea Piacquadio