Your Brain on Trying New Things: The Benefits and Things to Try in Denver

Article Written By: Jessica Wright, LPC (CO), LPCC) CA

At times, we can find ourselves being creatures of habit. We might find comfort and security in the daily routines that we create. But have you ever thought about what it’s like when you step outside of that comfort zone and try something new?

Whether it is trying a new hobby, traveling to a new place, or viewing something through a different lens, trying new things can lead to personal growth and mental well-being.

Not only can this act lead you in the direction of incorporating a new routine, or learning a new skill, but it can also support your brain in making new connections and supporting your overall well-being.

Trying new things has benefits beyond the obvious.

Sure, you might learn a new skill, or have a fun experience, but learning new things can have a vast impact on our mood and mental health overall.

It can lead to increased feelings of satisfaction and joy, as well as creating a sense of safety with trying something that is unknown.

So what’s going on in our brains?

I know, I know, trying new things can sometimes feel extremely uncomfortable. That’s because our brains often crave familiarity and predictability.

Read More: “The Benefits Living In Gratitude Has On Mental Health”

We have different parts of our brains which we can view as our control center that do different things. 

Some parts of our brains to highlight include our amygdala, which is the alarm system in our brains. It is responsible for scanning and reacting to potential threats in our environment.

That’s why when we try something new, we might actually notice those alarm bells ringing, leading us to feel discomfort or even unsafe.

Through understanding the neurobiology of why we might feel uncomfortable when trying something new, this can actually lead to feelings of comfort in knowing that your brain is just doing its thing; it is wired to protect you at times from unknown experiences. 

Often working in conjunction with our amygdala, the prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision making and rational thinking which can help balance those alarm bells and evaluate the potential risks and rewards of trying something new.

When your prefrontal cortex is activated, it helps to focus your attention and make informed decisions, helping you to regulate your thoughts, actions or emotions and respond to that discomfort in a different way. 

Did you know our brains are plastic?

Meaning that our brains are flexible. The official term is neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and change, plays a vital role in trying something new.

When individuals step out of their comfort zones and try new things, they create new neural connections which are connections from one part of the brain to another, as well as reinforcing existing connections.

These connections form the basis for learning and adapting to new experiences.

Neuroplasticity also helps us get better at things we’ve never done before.

When we practice a new skill or habit, our brains strengthen those specific connections, making it easier to repeat the action.

So, the more you try something new, the better you become at it.

In essence, neuroplasticity is the brain’s way of saying, “I can adapt, I can learn, and I can change.” It’s the reason why trying new things can be so rewarding. 

Why can trying something new make you feel good?

DOPAMINE!

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When we try new things, dopamine is often released which can create a sense of accomplishment and pleasure for an individual.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released when we try something new or complete a task.

The release of this neurotransmitter can reinforce trying new things again in the future for an individual.

How can trying new things help your mental health?

Trying new things can not only be exciting and fun, but they also have the ability to support your overall mood and have a positive impact on your mental health.

Here are some ways that trying something new can help with mental health: 

Trying Something New Can Help Reduce Stress:

Trying something new can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

When you try a new activity, it can sometimes turn into a skill that you go to during times of distress and also serves as a helpful distraction from stressors.

These new activities can give your mind a space to rest and recharge or even practice creativity! 

Trying Something New Can Enhance Creativity and Self- Discovery:

New experiences can lead us to tap into our problem-solving modes and creative thinking spaces.

It can be an opportunity to connect with your values and identify activities that are of interest to you based on what you find to be important in your life.

This can oftentimes lead to increased satisfaction with your day to day tasks and help with feelings of inspiration and motivation.

Trying Something New Promotes Mindfulness and Adds Excitement:

Trying something new forces you to be in the present moment.

This present moment awareness can interrupt times when anxiety takes control, often leading to overthinking, and allows you to be fully focused on whatever it is you are newly experiencing.

It can also add excitement to times when routines feel mundane. 

Trying Something New Helps with Motivation:

When you try something new, it can have an impact on your self-esteem and confidence.

Since dopamine is released in this process, it often leaves you with that “reward” feeling, leading you to feel accomplished in completing a new task.

This feeling can lead to increased motivation and lead you to want to continue trying new things. This might even lead at times to creation of new, helpful daily habits.

Trying new things is a signal to our brains to wake up and get moving.

Support Your Mental Health By Trying New Things In Denver

There are always new things you can try out here in Denver and throughout Colorado. The Denver Art Museum and The Art Students League of Denver offers adult courses for every level from curious to established artists.

Read More: “Things To Do In Denver To Help Shift Your Mood”

The Denver Library offers technology classes and workshops in English and Spanish like 3D Printing Basics, Coding Concept Basics, Block Printing Workshop, and more.

University College at the University of Denver and other state university and community colleges offer courses for non-enrolled adults on topics varying from business to the arts. Colorado Free* University (courses are not free, but most are under $100) also offers a wide range of learning to consider.

To embrace more of your senses, you can look into cooking, pottery, painting, and candle-making classes or even trying a restaurant or type of food that’s new to you.

If you’re up for doing “Colorado things”, you can find classes and workshops throughout Colorado to try out a new (or old) outdoor activity like hiking, mountain biking, running, skiing, climbing, scuba diving, horse back riding, and even sailing.

You can learn to write a memoir or take creative and other writing classes through Lighthouse Writers. Denver Botanic Gardens offers several hands on learning opportunities as well.

Want to connect with others on a deeper level? Look into Authentic Relating groups where the focus is human connection and being seen, heard and understood while challenging yourself to speak your truth as well.

Other groups to consider looking into are meditation and integration groups.

Learning more about yourself by trying out therapy, is also a way to flex your brain and support your mental health.

It is safe to say you can find something new to try in Denver that may peak your curiosity.

When we are trying something new, we are not only creating new connections in our brains but the act of trying new things can make us more creative and resilient in the face of challenges, as well as bring more joy into our lives. 

 So the next time you’re asked to try something new or you’re curious about learning that new language or traveling to that new city, step outside your comfort zone, and say YES!

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Learn More About Denver Therapist Jessica Wright

Jessica is a Denver therapist based in Los Angeles. She provides online therapy in Colorado.

Denver Therapist, Jessica Wright

She specializes in helping people make big transitions in their life and loves diving into neurology as it relates to mental health.

Jessica supports our clinical team at Denver Metro Counseling through her understanding of the brain and the ways we can work with our brains to support change and growth from a neurological approach.

Jessica also helps people with ADHD, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, trauma and provides support while they navigate life more effectively.

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and an EMDR Therapist.