The Science of Novelty (and How To Cultivate It)
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In the words of Lebo Grand, “We all seek novelty whether we realize it or not.”
When was the last time you tried something new? Whether it's a new route to work or a hobby you picked up, novelty isn't just fun — it's good for your brain. Let’s dive deep into the enticing world of novelty and why it's essential. Even better, we'll serve up a tantalizing menu of seven delightful ways you can sprinkle more newness into your everyday life! And if you’re on a journey to quit or cut back on alcohol, cultivating novelty can work wonders by helping you get back in the driver’s seat and actively create an authentic, new life full of meaning and joy.
First, a quick definition of novelty (and novel experiences in particular). Novelty is the quality of some experiences (whether external or internal) that appear or feel new, original, or unusual. These experiences can range from exploring a new cuisine, visiting a new city, meeting your new neighbor across the hall, meeting the love of your life, starting a new career, or moving across the country. It doesn’t matter how big or small the experience is — novelty is anything that sparks our imagination and curiosity in a new way, gets us out of our comfort zone (in a good way), or breaks up our usual routine.
And who needs novelty? In fact, we all do. To find out why that’s the case, let’s start by looking at how novelty affects the human brain.
Our brains are sophisticated and complex, and they’re often compared to computers. Yet unlike machines, our brains have an innate hunger for new experiences. Novelty stimulates the brain, and there are a few reasons why.
Beyond the jolt of excitement and the dopamine release, cultivating novelty offers long-term benefits:
Let’s explore each of these three benefits and the science behind them in more detail.
Mental agility might sound like a term reserved for quiz masters or codebreakers, but in reality, it’s an essential cognitive attribute beneficial for all of us. So what exactly is it, and why should we care?
Mental agility refers to the brain's ability to think quickly, adapt to new situations, and find solutions to problems with flexibility and creativity. It's not just about raw intelligence or memorization skills. Instead, it's the nimbleness of thought that allows us to pivot and adjust to ever-changing scenarios without missing a beat.
Just how does mental agility help us?
Here are some tips for cultivating mental agility:
Mental agility is a cornerstone of a responsive and robust cognitive framework. As our surroundings become more dynamic and unpredictable, this ability to swiftly adjust, learn, and grow becomes even more paramount. By investing in our mental agility, we’re ensuring our brain is ready to face any challenge!
Boredom is a state we’ve all been familiar with at some point or another. It’s that frustrating feeling of being disengaged, restless, and uninterested. But what causes it, why is it a concern, and most importantly, how can we combat it?
More than the absence of excitement or stimulation, boredom is a complex emotional state that can be triggered by various factors, including repetitive tasks, lack of interest, or feeling disconnected from one's surroundings or purpose.
How does boredom hurt us?
Some strategies to combat boredom include the following:
To wrap up, while bouts of boredom are natural, they don’t have to define our days. With a proactive approach, we can keep our minds engaged, our spirits lifted, and our days filled with purpose and passion.
Creativity is the playground of mind — it’s a hotspot of ideas, insights, and self-expression. Rather than being confined to the world of artists or writers, creativity is a universal trait waiting to be harnessed in everyday life. It’s the capability to conceive original ideas, link seemingly unrelated concepts, and devise innovative solutions to problems. It encompasses a vast realm, from artistic endeavors to problem-solving to groundbreaking scientific research.
Why do we need creativity?
Here are some ways to amplify creativity:
In the grand scheme of things, creativity adds vibrant strokes, nuances, and depth to the way we approach the world. It’s something we all have, and it’s waiting to be nurtured and celebrated. Embrace it, and watch as the world transforms into a playground of possibilities!
Embarking on the path of reducing or eliminating alcohol is a significant commitment. It's a personal journey that requires dedication, resilience, and a shift in lifestyle. Here's where the magic of novelty comes into play. Integrating novel experiences into this transformative phase can amplify motivation, cultivate healthier habits, and pave the way for sustained success.
Here’s why novelty matters on this journey:
Incorporating novelty into the alcohol journey isn't about mere distraction. It's about reshaping our lifestyle, finding joy in fresh avenues, and building resilience against old habits. With each new experience, the path away from alcohol dependency becomes clearer and more rewarding.
Now, let's jazz up your routine with these action steps to make novelty a part of your daily routine!
Novelty isn't just the spice of life; it's a power-packed nutrient for your brain. So go ahead and dabble in the unknown. Take that leap. Embrace the unfamiliar. Not only will you reap immediate rewards like excitement and pleasure, but you'll also be gifting your brain with long-term benefits. It's time to make every day an adventure!
Moreover, by embracing novelty, we allow ourselves to enrich our worlds, adding new elements that make our lives more fulfilling and nuanced. As Rebecca Solnit writes in Wanderlust: A History of Walking, “When you give yourself to places, they give you yourself back; the more one comes to know them, the more one seeds them with the invisible crop of memories and associations that will be waiting for when you come back, while new places offer up new thoughts, new possibilities. Exploring the world is one the best ways of exploring the mind, and walking travels both terrains.”
1. Why is novelty important for the brain?
Novelty stimulates the brain in several ways. It prompts the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter, strengthens neural pathways, and enhances learning and memory by making new experiences more memorable.
2. How does novelty benefit long-term mental health?
Regularly seeking out new experiences enhances mental agility, combats feelings of boredom, and fosters creativity by introducing a diverse range of perspectives and information to our cognitive processes.
3. I'm always taking the same route to work. How might changing this up benefit me?
Taking a different route can introduce you to new sights and landmarks. It can be a small yet refreshing deviation from the routine, possibly revealing hidden gems in your locality and stimulating your brain with fresh stimuli.
4. How can reading outside of my favorite genre enhance novelty?
By diving into unfamiliar literary landscapes, you expose your brain to diverse worlds, characters, and ideas. This not only challenges and expands your thinking but also deepens your cognitive breadth.
5. I’m not musically inclined. How does switching up my playlist help in cultivating novelty?
Different genres of music evoke varied emotional responses. By introducing yourself to unfamiliar melodies and rhythms, you provide a fresh, sensory-rich experience for your brain, which can be both rejuvenating and mentally stimulating.
6. How can foreign films contribute to the novelty factor?
Foreign films immerse you in different cultural nuances, storytelling techniques, and sometimes a new language. This offers a refreshing break from the familiar, pushing your brain to process and appreciate varied cinematic experiences.
7. How can chatting with a stranger introduce novelty into my day?
Engaging with someone outside your usual circle can lead to the discovery of new viewpoints, cultures, or intriguing tales. It's a way of broadening your horizons and enriching your understanding of diverse human experiences.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
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