The Spice of Life — Why Variety Keeps Us Energised
When was the last time you did something different?
It could be trying a new food, taking a different route on a walk, listening to a new podcast, or something more extreme like moving house or taking a trip somewhere you’ve never been.
How did it make you feel? Exhilarated? Or downright terrified?
As they say, “variety is the spice of life”. Over the next few episodes, I’m exploring the theme of variety — that beautiful, unpredictable element that brings colour and richness to our lives. Variety keeps us curious, inspired, and awake. It helps us grow, stretch, and rediscover who we are beyond routine and familiarity.
In this episode, we’ll explore why variety keeps us energised — and how small shifts in everyday life can reignite enthusiasm and creativity.
What Does Variety Really Mean?
When we think of variety, we often imagine big, dramatic changes — travelling to a new country, changing jobs, or shaking up our routines entirely.
But variety doesn’t have to be grand.
It can be as simple as walking a different route to work, trying a new recipe, or listening to a style of music you’ve never explored. It’s about stepping out of autopilot — even just a little — and noticing life with fresh eyes.
Variety wakes us up. It challenges our habits and reminds us there’s always more to learn, feel, and experience. When introduced with intention — not restlessness, but curiosity — it reconnects us to joy.
Why Variety Keeps Us Energised
Variety has a powerful effect on our energy and wellbeing.
Our brains are wired to seek novelty. Experiencing something new triggers dopamine — the “feel-good” chemical that boosts motivation and pleasure. That’s why even small changes, like rearranging your space or taking a new class, can lift your mood.
But it’s more than brain chemistry. Variety feeds the soul.
- It helps us grow and discover parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed.
- It builds resilience and flexibility.
- It sparks creativity through exposure to new perspectives.
- It keeps us present, preventing life from slipping into autopilot.
Variety invites us back into awareness. It reminds us that life is happening right now, in this moment.
Finding Balance Between Routine and Variety
We can’t live in constant change — too much variety can feel overwhelming. Routine gives stability, safety, and comfort. It helps us rest, recharge, and progress.
The key is balance.
Think of your routines as the roots of your life — keeping you steady. Variety is the branches — exploring, catching the light. You need both to grow.
Ask yourself: What do I need more of right now — stability or change?
There’s no right answer. It shifts with the seasons of your life. Awareness is what matters most.
Simple Ways to Add Variety to Your Life
You don’t need a life overhaul to benefit from variety. Often, small changes make the biggest difference.
Try these gentle shifts:
- Change your environment — work from a different café, rearrange your desk, or add plants or artwork.
- Learn something new — take a short course, try a new podcast topic, or pick up a creative hobby. For me, rediscovering beads from my teenage years reignited my passion for making jewellery. Low-cost, low-maintenance, and relaxing, it’s a small way to add variety!
- Move differently — if you usually walk, try yoga or dance. My son and I have started walking to school a few mornings a week. A ten-minute walk gives fresh air, movement, and one-on-one chat before the day begins.
- Mix up your routine — try a new breakfast, change your coffee spot, or start your day with music instead of scrolling.
- Connect with new people — join a community event, chat with a neighbour, or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Play — give yourself permission to be spontaneous. Say yes to something unexpected, even if it feels a little uncomfortable.
These small adjustments can break monotony and infuse your days with renewed energy.
When Variety Feels Uncomfortable
Even positive change can feel unsettling. Variety pushes us beyond what we know, which can bring up fear or resistance.
If trying something new feels daunting, start small. One manageable act each week is enough. Gradually, your comfort zone expands, and what once felt scary starts to feel exciting.
Growth and comfort rarely coexist. But stepping just slightly beyond the familiar is where life begins to open up.
A Gentle Reminder
Variety doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.
You don’t need to quit your job or move across the world to feel inspired. You can start right where you are — by changing the lens through which you see your life.
Try something new. Notice something old in a new way. Let curiosity lead you.
When variety is invited with intention, energy naturally follows. Life feels fuller, brighter, more textured. You rediscover the joy of being alive — not just surviving each day, but truly experiencing it.
Reflection
As you go about your week, pause and consider:
- Where have I been craving more variety in my life?
- What small change could I make this week to invite more curiosity or joy?
- How does my energy shift when I try something new?
Life’s magic often lives just beyond the edges of your routine.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep noticing, and keep inviting variety into your days.
