Novelty for Your Brain

We know that novelty is good for the brain. It responds favorably. With that in mind, and because I like new, novel, and crazy things, and I hate boredom and predictability, I entered a speech contest. I had a great time with it. It gave me purpose, energizing skill, and determination. Not that I am competitive, of course!

The speech contest consisted of having to tell three stories, make two points, add drama, introduce humor and vocal variety, and present well. All in 5-7 minutes. I walked around with a stop watch, and every time I had a break, I practiced. Before I drifted off to sleep, I ran through the speech. Waiting at red lights, I practiced. I found friends and made them listen, then critique. They were entertained by my drive. And helpful. In between clients, practice. In the mirror,  practice. I had myself video-taped, I recorded my voice for modulation; I practiced endlessly. I mentioned that I am competitive, didn’t I?  I probably practiced this speech 130 times. It doesn’t really take that long, 7 minutes at a time. It’s little bites of the elephant.

Even though it was a challenge, it was hugely entertaining and gave me focus for something other than figuring out what to have for lunch. And what do I get for all this effort? Nothing, nada. Blue ribbon, yes, but no prize. I received something that money can’t buy: satisfaction that I could do it well. I did the work, and I won. Competitive, remember?

Speech contests are not for everyone; I understand that. But novelty should be. Your brain loves new and novel things. It rewards you by letting you move more easily, think more clearly, it increases strength and range of motion, and can actually reduce pain. I am not saying that you should enter speech contests; what I am saying is that you might want to try introducing new things into your life as a way to stay interesting, stay challenged, and move well.

A person who can move will move more. A person who can move ages better. They will embrace life. They will exhibit more control over their life, depression might not be such a shadow following them. A new idea, a new experience, and a whole lot of fun.

That’s Aging Intelligently