First For Women

Banish stress with the new “IQ”

Move over IQ: Studies show our “CQ,” or curiosity quotient, is a better predictor of success and fulfillmen­t—and experts say you can develop it to instantly tame stress and usher in joy and gratitude!

-

Have you ever noticed the way a child’s eyes light up when she finds something fascinatin­g? Or felt a thrill when you’ve tried a delicious new dish or visited a beautiful city for the first time? Scientists have labeled that rush of wonder, and the innate desire to know, feel and experience more, our curiosity quotient or “CQ.” And unlike IQ, we can consciousl­y raise our CQs to help melt anxiety and increase happiness.

Curiosity is so mood-boosting, in fact, it passes what may be the ultimate test: It’s as satisfying as chocolate. “Scientists studying the curiosity gene in birds discovered that the happiness chemical dopamine—unleashed when we eat chocolate, for example—was released when the birds showed curiosity,” explains Diane Hamilton, Ph.D., author of Cracking the Curiosity Code.

Our feathered friends aren’t the only ones getting a jolt of joy from exploring life outside their nests. One recent study revealed that folks ages 60 to 85 who were more curious lived longer than their less inquisitiv­e counterpar­ts.

“There are two types of curiosity,” reveals Kristin M. Rouleau, Ed.D., coauthor of Curiosity Works. “The first is state curiosity, confined to a specific goal, like finding the answer to a question. The second is trait curiosity— general inquisitiv­eness about the world around you.” This second type of curiosity is what can be easily nurtured to usher in more joy and peace. Read on to learn how to cultivate your CQ!

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States