Humans are hardwired to prefer routine, but this tendency can shortchange our happiness. According to Tim Bono, a lecturer in psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, routines protect mental energy and allow our brains to predict what's next. However, they can also cause us to feel stuck or in a funk. Breaking up the expected with novelty is a great way to boost joy and appreciation for life.
Why Novelty Matters
Without novelty, life may feel mundane. Rachel Wolff, a licensed psychotherapist and founder of Flow Wellness in Philadelphia, explains that too much certainty makes things feel mundane and causes our brains to stop paying attention, leading to numbness. This numbness can set in quickly due to hedonic adaptation, a term in positive psychology describing how humans quickly adapt to their environment, even when things are going great.
Bono notes that when we introduce novelty, we disrupt the adaptation process, directing attention to something new and unique, which can be a great source of joy. Wolff adds that too much familiarity can make experiences feel less meaningful and fulfilling, and novelty wakes us up and provides missing stimulation.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Novelty doesn't require big changes. Wolff emphasizes that it could be as simple as walking in a slightly different direction or noticing something different. Bono agrees, noting that while one-time big events can be fun, day-to-day happiness comes from small modifications to everyday conditions. Small changes are more within our control and sustainable long-term.
Brain Benefits of Novelty
Novelty activates the brain's dopamine system, the feel-good hormone, making trying something new rewarding. It also activates the same system involved in accomplishing meaningful tasks. Bono cites newer research showing dopamine is involved in the anticipation of new experiences, not just the experience itself. Wolff adds that novelty builds psychological flexibility, helping us tolerate uncertainty and discomfort, which pays off when coping with change.
How to Add Novelty
Seeking novelty is especially valuable if you feel in a funk or derive less happiness from life, job, or friends. Bono suggests asking for new tasks at work or trying different restaurants with friends. Wolff emphasizes that adding novelty is a personal choice—what works for one may not work for another. For some, it may be whitewater rafting; for others, trying a new food. The key is to honor what feels novel and even a little anxiety-inducing for you.
While routine is necessary for efficiency, applying it to everything shortchanges our ability to enjoy life. Novelty allows us to turn off autopilot and recognize beauty and wonder, potentially leading to new hobbies and interests.
