Smarter Worklife
You’ve probably heard expressions like “don’t be so nosy,” “none of your business” and “stay in your lane,” which make curiosity seem like a bad thing. According to author Ulrica Norberg, our curiosity is underrated and can actually benefit us by reducing stress and enhancing creativity and well-being. “Hone your curiosity, because that’s what powers development!”
Many think “curious” is a static character trait that you were born with more or less of. But that’s not true, says Ulrica Norberg, author of the book Nyfiken – Väck ditt inre geni (Curious—Wake your inner genius).
“Research shows that curiosity is a human quality we all possess; it is one of our basic emotions and it is important for our memory and learning, intelligence and overall brain health,” Norberg explains.
The good news is that curiosity, like a pencil, can be sharpened—and this has great rewards.
“Do more of the things you find exciting and interesting in your life for a while.”
“Studies show that those who actively get to know their curiosity and train it, experience reduced stress, increased mental acuity, creativity, joy and initiative,” Ulrica Norberg says.
“When we approach life with more curiosity, it enhances our problem-solving ability and even our physical wellness. When something piques our curiosity, our brains connect several centers, which not only reduces our stress hormones, it also reduces inflammation in the body, slowing the breakdown of your muscle mass.”
Curiosity is what drives both individual human development and societal advancement.
“If we don’t use our curiosity, it can become inhibited and other emotions take over. This can make us easily bored and introverted. When we actively focus our curiosity on something, it boosts our
circulation and initiative, because we are designed to develop. When we lose the desire to do things, learn things and feel wonder, we are much more susceptible to depression and mental illness,” Norberg
says.
In other words, you have everything togain by being curious. Curiosity is also a perfect tool for mental recovery, mental training and creating better health.
“Take a break and look at your situation with curiosity, like you’re interviewing yourself. Ask yourself, ‘What makes me happy? What is interesting? What do I spend my time on? What do I say yes to? No? Maybe? Can I do what I do in a different way?", Norberg suggests.
Building your curiosity also means building your thirst for knowledge and growing as a person. But you don’t have to start reading the encyclopedia or googling.
“Start where you are” is Norberg’s advice to those who want to become more curious:
“Do more of the things you find exciting and interesting in your life for a while, and take the time to think about how it affects you and the way you feel.”
