Reasons why you should nurture your curious nature
CURIOSITY is an often underestimated aspect of wellbeing. Yet the drive to explore the world around us and seek out new information is an important part of personal growth and living well.
Curiosity is a natural human tendency that is hard wired in all of us. Think of a small child who encounters a new object or situation for the first time.
Their natural curiosity drives them to explore the unknown, helping them to learn, develop and grow.
In adulthood, curiosity continues to help us grow through learning new skills and knowledge and enabling us to make sense of our experience and surroundings.
Being curious and inquisitive can be especially beneficial to our wellbeing when we apply it to those situations where there is some degree of uncertainty, as it helps to reduce unpleasant feelings like worry, anxiety and stress.
The benefits of being curious, however, are not all about dealing with the unfamiliar.
Sometimes it’s a case of having the right balance of stimulation in our lives.
For example, when we feel bored or stressed, being curious can help us to change that.
What’s more, learning through being curious can have additional benefits such as improving our confidence and self-esteem.
There are lots of things that can get in the way of our natural tendency towards curiosity.
This can limit how much we engage with new situations, people or places leaving us feeling stuck, bored or like there is something missing from life.
If this is the case, why not invest some time doing some basic research on a topic that interests you.
This could be related to a past hobby or interest, something you’ve read or seen on TV or something you’ve heard about in your conversations with others.
The topic itself is not important. What’s key is that you find something that piques a genuine interest in you.
Research has shown that learning a little about a new topic stimulates our curiosity, motivating us to learn more.
Nurturing your natural tendency for curiosity in this way is a gateway to personal development, growth and fulfilment.