Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Do Something New This New Year

I think we can agree that we all have a tendency to get comfortable in our ruts.  Years ago I heard a speaker define a rut as a “grave with both ends kicked out.”  How true!

It has been proven that thinking and acting in new ways cause different synapses in the brain to connect, making our minds stronger.  So in order to make life more interesting and ourselves healthier, tackle something different in the New Year!

For example, go to a bookstore and buy a book unlike anything you’ve ever read before—explore new territory.  If you are left-brained (an analytical person) then take piano or violin lessons for the next six months.  If you’re right-brained (creative) then buy a book of mathematical word problems, and do a few every day. 

Another thing that will stretch you is to tune into a different radio station or listen to a style of music you wouldn’t normally choose or perhaps even settle into an AM talk show you’ve never heard before.  One evening a week select a TV program you’ve never watched and stick with it from beginning to end.

Or here’s something that might entice you: the next time you eat at your favorite restaurant, choose an entrée or a salad you’ve never tried before.  Treat your taste buds to a surprise!

If you’re a jogger, then go for a bicycle ride.  Or if you walk for exercise, go jogging.  Crawl into the tent your kids have set up in the middle of the living room floor and play with them for thirty minutes or so.

Break out of your normal schedule and do the uncommon things you never do.  You’ll find life a lot more exciting, and you might even live longer too!

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