According to research done by leading expert on the psychology of well-being, Todd Kashdan, those of us who frequently engage in curiosity, also experience the most satisfaction in our life.
Yep, that’s right, it turns out being inquisitive is good for your mind and your soul.
According to Todd and studies published by Neuron (the science journal), if you are someone who has a strong desire to know and explore more you are likely to:
- Have a stronger memory (29% better short-term memory function)
- Possess improved cognitive abilities
- Experience more satisfaction in your life
Curiosity has also been proven to:
- Be advantageous in managing anxiety
- Be an antidote to fearful situations
- A precursor to innovation in the workplace
- A source of resilience during challenging times
And so much more!
If you don’t feel like your quite at Albert Einstein or Marie Currie level, not all is lost, curiosity can be enhanced.
Here are 7 suggestions from our well-being team:
- Apply a beginner’s mind – Be open to and look for different ways of doing things.
- Ask questions, listen, and observe – Make a conscious effort to seek to understand first before you explain or talk to others.
- Try something new – Take a different route to work, eat with your opposite hand, read a book, or watch a movie in a different genre, engage in activity you normally would not participate in.
- Be inquisitive – Ask others’ opinions, perspectives and the way they approach things you don’t know a lot about.
- Travel abroad – Go somewhere different. Immerse yourself in a different culture and way of living and if you can, pick a different destination every time.
- Ask “stupid” questions – Ask those questions that your critical voice says are stupid because it is likely they are not.
- Spend time in nature – Spend time in the natural surrounds of your local area, observing your environment. Tap into the 5 senses and explore what you can see, hear, feel, smell and taste.
So next time you think about playing it safe and are about to employ the old “Curiosity killed the cat” adage, remind yourself that venturing out of your comfort zone and inquiring a little more is actually good for your health!
This article was written by Kylie Paatsch from our wellbeing team.
