We have talked before about how doing new things helps boost happiness. Those with an innate sense of curiosity are usually those most likely to try new things. It’s interesting that curiosity leads us to explore things that are unknown to us. Not only does curiosity prompt us to venture into uncharted waters; in some cases, it takes us outside our comfort zone. Scientists have shown that, in fact, cultivating curiosity is good for us. In part, because it helps us avoid blind spots in our thinking.
The Connection Between Curiosity and Happiness
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Uncharted waters can heighten anxiety and uncertainty in the short term. And yet, following our curiosity impulses yields elevated levels of happiness. It seems like these two things should be in conflict, but the brain and body, as usual, are wiser than we are, and so as we explore new ideas, hobbies, acquaintances, thoughts – we get a happiness bump. Why?
Because being curious is good for us, and our brains and bodies want us to keep doing it.
The benefits of curiosity are many. We learn more and our minds become more “awakened” when we are curious. Being curious also helps stave off boredom. In fact, our health, intelligence, relationships, happiness and sense of purpose in life are all positively correlated with curiosity.
When we are curious, we also become both more interesting to and more interested in those around us.
Often, we are less likely to be bored because we notice things that others may not. Further, we broaden our perspective on issues. And perhaps most importantly, curiosity slows us down – which leads to us be more mindful and fully experience the moment. All these things help us to dwell less on our troubles, and more on the positive aspects of our lives.
Think Back to Childhood
Thinking back to when we were children can help us remember what is was like to be curious. Curiosity was an integral part of our state of being. Think about all the “Whys” we hear from the average 5-year-old! This is the state we are intended to be in. And those who are naturally curious as adults tend to be happier.
The good news is those who may have lost touch with their own curiosity can take action to help renew their sense of wonder.
What topics have you always wanted to know more about? Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, you no longer have to buy books to try out a new subject. Read an article or two on-line and see what captures your interest. Then, go buy books! (I still love the feel of a book in my hand, how about you?)
Curiosity goes beyond “book learning”.
It’s a natural state of being. Next time you find yourself in a new environment, actively take in the details of your surroundings. What color is the carpet? How many people are in the room? If we were asked to describe those people, what details would we remember? Is the room cold or warm? Inviting or intimidating? Is there a fragrance or odor in the room? What does it remind you of?
Let’s decide that we are curious people.
What would a curious person do after reading this blog post? Was there anything in this article that made you want to read more on the subject? Who did it make you think of? Do you want to talk with them about it? Listen intently to how others respond when you do – another hallmark of natural curiosity is talking less and listening more. Why not post a comment here and ask us all a question?
Do you need some help getting started?
Exploring new hobbies can be an incredible way to trigger new thinking. By exposing us to fresh stimuli, a new hobby can not only inspire us to pursue new things, but can also help us see new perspectives, solutions, or options to meeting current challenges in our lives.
So, let’s focus on cultivating curiosity and commit to learn something new this week.
Then, let’s share it with those we love. And let’s demonstrate our interest in what they have to share, too.
Have a wonderful, curious, inquisitive day and thanks, as always, for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
One Response
Renewing our curiosity is really a good idea. Curiosity keeps us in the learning mode just like when we were children. Great post!