If you have a preference for doing something on a whim, chances are you’re mentally and physically healthier than your overly-structured, calendar-coordinating counterparts. Whether you’re deciding to try a new fitness class just moments before it started or accepting an invitation to meet friends for coffee when you were previously all cozy at home in your sweatpants, occasionally deviating from your “usual” routine has several benefits.
1. You’ll be happier
When you break away from the same ‘ole plans every so often, you’re likely to be happier. Why? You’re experiencing more variety in your life. Being exposed to something different allows you to get out of a mental and physical rut, preventing boredom from taking over your life. You’d be surprised at how you can uplift your mood by diving into a change of scenery or engaging in new conversations.
2. You’ll make others happier
The spontaneity of a random act of kindness can make someone’s day, so why not go for it? Everyone could use a smile, right? Suddenly deciding to pay a stranger’s coffee, for example, is a great way to spread some cheer. People will remember your spontaneous act of kindness and will hopefully do the same for others down the road. You’ll feel mentally invigorated by your thoughtful actions and your well-being will improve.
3. Improved memory
If you think being spontaneous can make your thoughts scattered, quite the opposite is true. You need not shift to a new activity every five minutes. Simply trying something different every so often—even something as simple as taking a different route to work or the grocery store—has the ability to keep your mind sharp and focused. Exposure to new experiences keeps your brain healthy; just like much of the rest of your body, which also needs exercise if it’s going to stay in shape.
Engage your mind by escaping the oh-so-familiar and mix things up by facing new challenges, making new friends, trying a different hobby, or even preparing something other than that predictable chicken and broccoli dinner.
4. Reduced stress levels
No one likes to be under constant stress. It’s frustrating, generates anxiety, and can wreak havoc on your body. From an increased heart rate to elevated blood pressure, too much stress simply is not good. That’s where spontaneity comes in. Acting spontaneously can actually reduce stress. By putting yourself in new situations and experiencing different settings, you’re better able to handle life’s curveballs and, therefore, more equipped to manage stress. Change? Bring it on. You can handle it, thanks to your ability to free yourself from rigid structure and planning.
5. Increased creativity
If you’ve ever suddenly gone for a walk at an unusual time, only to arrive back home or at work feeling a burst of enthusiasm, it’s probably due to your spontaneous activity. Exposing yourself to newness can propel you into new ways of thinking, whether you take a stroll when you typically don’t or choose to have breakfast for dinner (why not?). Being spontaneous can help you see things in a new light that you might not have otherwise considered. When you do something that deviates from your norm, you open up your mind and are better able to explore your creative side.
6. Boosts confidence
Doing something that differs from your normal ways can give your confidence a serious boost. If friends have been begging you to try a new sport but you turn them down because it conflicts with plans than can easily be put off, consider giving it a try. You may feel nervous about “abandoning” your schedule, but once you see how incredible if felt to part ways with your calendar, phone, or usual routine, you’ll feel a new sense of confidence surge within you. You’ll feel great about daring to try something new and breaking out of a rut (even if it’s only for 30 minutes).
7. Reduces cases of the “blahs”
Mixing things up can help you shake off feeling “blah.” No wonder—if you’re always eating the same cereal for breakfast, listening to the same music while working out, and taking the same fitness class every Tuesday night, of course, you’re bound to feel bored and less energetic. As you switch things up and expose your senses to variety, you’ll find your mood improving. How nice it will be to look forward to eating or learning something new instead of digging into oatmeal and listening to the news station… again.
8. Better immune system
Finally, research shows that people who often interact with others or even change their scenery every so often are typically better at laughing at themselves and engaging in joke-telling than those who rarely venture from their comfortable, predictable norm. Not putting yourself in new situations can make you less likely to see the humor in situations or have stories to share and laugh about. So what does this have to do with your immune system?
Well, it has been proven that laughing may be good for your immune system; some studies have found, for example, that laughter and humor not only ease pain by lessening stress but actually boost levels of healthy cells in the body. How can you laugh and smile when you’re always doing the same thing all the time?
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You need not become a wild, skydiving adventurist at the drop of a dime to reap these incredible mental and physical benefits. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference, so start today and you’ll be sure to find your overall mood and health improving.
