Finding Novelty

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Three weeks left in the semester, and I know I’m not the only one counting it down. With the end in sight, it’s easy to feel even more pressure to finish strong and simultaneously overwhelmed with more and more work coming due. This can lead us into routine patterns where our only escape is some comfort media. Watching the same tv show or following the same routine every day can be reassuring and relaxing, but it can also create the feeling of being in a “rut”. And, it tends to crush creativity and divergent thinking at a time when these are most needed.

Last week I kidnapped my partner for a surprise trip to an undisclosed location. We were both really stressed out, and simply needed a change from our normal evening routine of binge watching another Marvel series on Netflix. So, after work we hopped in the car and drove to Norfolk beach. It was pretty cold, so we only walked around the beach for a little while. And, then we grabbed some dinner on a patio while were there before heading back. It definitely felt a bit ridiculous and even extravagant to drive two and a half hours to be somewhere for about an hour and a half. But, looking back I think this was probably one of the best things we’ve done in a while. Yes, the rest of the week and all of our to do list were still waiting for us when we got back. But, there was a more positive approach in how we handled the rest of the week after our spur of the moment trip.

So, for this week, I challenge you to find some novelty. It can be something big, something small, or anything in between. Explore a new route in your drive to work. Do something you’ve never done before. Try a new cuisine or recipe. Watch a new series or movie that you’ve been thinking of trying. Or, plan a day trip somewhere for the weekend. You can even try walking around a different park or trail. Incorporating novelty can be safe, inexpensive, and fun! And, don’t forget to check out the resources for more information and ideas.

Have a great week, Statesmen!

-Dr. M


Resources:

“Novelty and the Brain: Why New Things Make Us Feel So Good” - Lifehacker
https://lifehacker.com/novelty-and-the-brain-why-new-things-make-us-feel-so-g-508983802

“What’s New? Exuberance for Novelty has Benefits” – NY Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/science/novelty-seeking-neophilia-can-be-a-predictor-of-well-being.html



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