The Benefits of Trying Something New

We all have our routines and daily habits. As beneficial as it is to have predictability (a blog post for another time!), it can also be beneficial to balance our daily routines with adding in something new! Consider something out of your routine. As simple as it sounds, there can be many roadblocks in the way. First, let’s look at the benefits of trying something new, then we’ll shift into what that actually may look like and how to get on board. 

Benefits: 

When you engage in a new experience, no matter how small, there is an automatic release of dopamine in the brain (hello mood boost!). It also “wakes up” the brain and body in a sense. Trying new things forces our brain to form new connections, which ultimately allows us to become more flexible in our thinking patterns (which can help later down the road when life throws us curveballs). It also can aid in preventing cognitive decline, and strengthens our memory part of the brain. Outside of these cognitive benefits, it also may help us discover something new about ourselves! Trying something new forces us to break out of routine, which may lead to a new discovery, promotes creativity, and overall personal fulfillment. Depending on what it is you decide to do, it can also lead to forming new social connections, increasing confidence, and maybe even moving your body in a different way so new muscles are strengthened. For me, it was a group Pilates class; and let’s just say I discovered some muscles I didn’t even know existed afterward!

Why is it that trying something new can be so difficult, even though we know there are many benefits? It is normal to feel like sticking with our “day-to-day” routine is challenging enough, how can we even comprehend trying something new? It could also be fear or anxiety of trying something out of our comfort zone. Starting small is the easiest way to start noticing benefits. It is important to remember that not everything we try will stick; it is completely okay to try something once, maybe realize it isn’t for you, and move on to something else. For me this was attending a pottery class with a friend, and although it was fun, it was not something I felt interested to try again at this stage in my life. Being open to a new experience is all it takes to find what suits you best.

How to get started?

It can surely be as simple as incorporating a new food into your diet. We all have our go-to foods or meals we like, but maybe it’s trying a new vegetable you see at the supermarket, or a different spice. Taking it a step further, maybe it’s trying a new restaurant with a friend or a different order at your favorite fast-food chain! On a social level, this could be reaching out to a friend you haven’t seen in awhile, or asking a colleague for a coffee run, rather than staying at your desk. One of my favorites is trying a new activity: if you enjoy walks/jogs, maybe try a different route. Or maybe it’s signing up to volunteer at a local event or food pantry. If there is a cause you are passionate about, do some research about how to get more involved. And remember, if there are nerves about trying something new, bring a friend or pet with you (if possible), and allow yourself to be a bit nervous, this is how we learn to tolerate being uncomfortable and become more confident in our ability to do so. 

If you’ve been thinking about trying something new for awhile now, therapy can be a great place to start. It’s not just for when things are hard, it’s also a space to learn, grow, and get to know yourself better. Like mentioned in the beginning, practicing small changes can help prepare us for life’s curveballs. Therapy can offer a space to discover new perspectives and develop resilience. If you’re curious, please reach out on how we can best support you in making the next meaningful step in your journey.