8 tips for everyday spontaneity (and a more fulfilling life)
Spontaneity is a bit of a buzzword. It’s something we’re told we should embrace, yet it can feel like a risk to take. After all, what if the spontaneous thing you do turns out to be a total disaster? Well, science says that spontaneity can actually be good for you—and even help you live longer! In this blog post, we’ll talk about what small changes can we make toward embracing spontaneity in our daily lives and maintaining its benefits over time.
Science says Yes
Research shows that spontaneity is good for our mental health. Specifically, it can help us feel less anxious and depressed. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who are more spontaneous are more likely to be happy with their lives—and this is true regardless of how much money they make or how often they travel.
Another study found that more spontaneous people have better relationships with their partners than those who aren’t. This is because they tend to be more open-minded, and creative and have better communication skills.
Why do we settle into our structured lives?
Humans are creatures of habit. It’s an evolutionary trait that helped us survive. Today, in a world full of fast-paced change and uncertainty, we’ve become even more accustomed to settling into structured lives: schedules filled with work, school and other responsibilities; routines that keep us grounded while also providing a sense of security and control. But what happens when we stay too comfortable? We get stuck in our ways and feel the need to escape, even if it means doing so in small ways like binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through Instagram feed after feed until you’ve lost track of time.
What if there was another way? Could spontaneity help us break free from our daily routines (and maybe even set ourselves up for some fun along the way)?
8 Ideas to help you embrace spontaneity in your daily life
- Take the road less travelled (literally)
- Do something you’ve never done before
- Explore your town like a tourist
- Strike up a conversation with a stranger
- Make plans for the afternoon and evening on the spot
- Change your route to work or school, or stay home in your pyjamas all day if that’s what feels good
- Have dinner with someone new this week—your neighbour, an old classmate from school, someone at your book club—the possibilities are endless
- Try something new at the supermarket or farmers market today; there are so many things out there that it can be overwhelming sometimes, but don’t let that stop you from trying something new
How to maintain spontaneity
- Keep an open mind
- Be open to new experiences
- Expect the unexpected
- Be open to change, even if it’s uncomfortable. You don’t have to be a spontaneous person or live a life of constant adventure—but if you’re looking for extra vitality and meaning in your life, it doesn’t hurt to be more willing than usual to take risks and embrace change when it comes along! It’s also helpful not just to accept but actively seek out spontaneity over time. Once you get used to feeling comfortable with it, spontaneity will feel less like something foreign and unnatural (or even risky) and more like just another part of living life fully!
For most people, spontaneity is a nice thought that never makes it into the real world. But it’s worth adding a few unexpected twists and turns to break up your daily routine. Not only will it make your life more exciting and colourful, but your mental health will thank you too.
