Novelty refers to the quality of being new, original, or unique.  Incorporating novelty into your daily life can have numerous cognitive benefits, including improved learning, memory, problem-solving skills, and overall brain health.

Engaging in new activities or experiences regularly can positively impact cognition for several reasons:

Neuroplasticity: When you expose yourself to new experiences, you stimulate different areas of the brain and encourage the formation of new neural pathways. This process, known as neuroplasticity, helps to keep the brain agile and adaptable.

Stimulation of Different Brain Regions: Engaging in diverse activities stimulates various regions of the brain, promoting overall cognitive health. Crossword Puzzles differ from Sudoku, walking outside on a different pathway gets extra credit.

Prevention of Mental Stagnation: Routine and familiarity will lead to mental stagnation and reduced cognitive ability.  

 Enhanced Memory Formation: challenge your brain to adapt to new situations and problem-solving tasks. Novel experiences tend to be more memorable than routine ones. When you encounter something new, your brain pays closer attention and forms stronger memory traces. This can improve your ability to recall information and experiences in the future.

Mood and Motivation: Trying new things will boost mood and motivation. When you engage in new activities, your brain releases dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward. This positive reinforcement encourages continued exploration and learning.

Increased Cognitive Reserve: Engaging in a variety of activities builds a “cognitive reserve”, which refers to the brain’s ability to withstand neurological impairment due to aging or disease. A diverse range of cognitive experiences may help to build up this reserve, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Work on learning something new each day now that you know what you can lose.   

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