Doing something unique, fun, and novel on a regular basis can be a great way to bring a smile to your face, and to others’ as well. It doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Experiencing new things is great because one of two good things will happen. 1. You’ll like it and it will be fun. 2. You won’t like it, and it will just help you appreciate the things you normally do that much more.
Here are some ideas of simple ways to add a little bit more variety and some fun novelty into your life.
- Look up funny videos or pictures online (great ideas are babies, baby animals, or misspelled road signs)
- Look up beautiful pictures of landscapes or far away places you’ve never visited
- When you see a little “mom and pop” shop, walk into see their unique offerings
- Stop and listen to a street performer
- Eat in a different location than usual (have breakfast on your porch or family dinner in the hallway)
- Read a book from a genre you don’t normally read
- Watch a movie that wouldn’t normally watch (maybe a western, romance, or documentary)
- Try out some new music
- Go to a busy park or mall and sit on a bench for a while, looking for interesting people, animals, and events
- Wear something out of character (bright colors, a hat, jewelry)
- Do something you haven’t done since you were a kid (skip down the street, finger paint, take a bubble bath, climb a tree, jump rope)
- Volunteer with a local charity, food bank, hospital, or pet shelter
- Learn something new – Try learning a new interesting trivia fact each day
- Play a new game
- Leave a kind note on a napkin (along with a nice tip) for your waiter
- Try out a new hairstyle for the day
- Have a themed day (such as a color, animal or country)
- Try a food you’ve never had before
And don’t forget to add some novelty to other people’s day as well. When you come across a great picture or a funny joke, send it to a friend to share the smiles!