The Joy of Trying Something New: How Small Adventures Enrich Everyday Life

Spring Break as a Time for Fresh Experiences

There’s something about spring that invites renewal—a gentle nudge to step outside routine, embrace curiosity, and welcome fresh experiences. As the days stretch a little longer and the air carries the scent of something new, it’s the perfect time to break away from the familiar and explore something different.

Spring break offers a built-in opportunity for this reset. Whether traveling to a new place, exploring local gems, or simply making small changes to daily habits, trying something new can bring unexpected joy. It doesn’t have to be big or bold—even the smallest shift in perspective can breathe fresh energy into life.

Why Trying New Things Matters

Psychologists suggest that stepping outside of our usual patterns—whether through travel, learning, or even small changes in routine—can increase happiness, boost creativity, and improve memory. When we introduce new experiences, we become more engaged, more present, and more attuned to life’s simple joys.

Ways to Invite Newness into Spring Break and Beyond

1. Explore Somewhere New—Even If You’re Staying Close to Home

Travel often feels like the most exciting way to experience something new, but adventure isn’t limited to boarding a plane. Exploring a different neighborhood, trying a new café, or even taking a different route on a daily walk can add a touch of discovery to ordinary days.

Ideas to Try:

  • Visit a nearby town or scenic spot you’ve never explored.
  • Take a drive without a set destination and see where the road leads.
  • Try a self-guided “walking tour” in your own city—visit a historical site, a new bookstore, or a tucked-away coffee shop.

2. Switch Up Your Daily Rituals

Simple, familiar routines can feel brand new with small adjustments. Changing the way you begin or end the day, swapping your usual coffee for something different, or even rearranging a space in your home can create a sense of refreshment.

Ideas to Try:

  • Enjoy your morning coffee or tea outdoors instead of in the usual spot.
  • Try a new way of making coffee—a French press, cold brew, or even adding a new flavor.
  • Rearrange your bedroom or living space to create a lighter, refreshed feel.

3. Say Yes to Something Unexpected

Sometimes, joy is found in the unplanned. An impromptu day trip, an invitation to try a new activity, or even something as simple as ordering a different meal at a favorite restaurant can bring unexpected delight.

Ideas to Try:

  • Accept an invitation you might normally decline—go to that event, visit that friend, try that activity.
  • Let someone else choose your meal at a restaurant and embrace the surprise.
  • Sign up for a class or workshop, even if it’s outside your comfort zone—pottery, painting, cooking, or dancing.

4. Cook or Order Something You’ve Never Tried

Food is one of the simplest ways to experience something new, and trying a new dish doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Recently, I ordered a HelloFresh meal kit, and it was such a fun way to try new flavors and recipes without the hassle of grocery shopping. Meal kits like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, or Home Chef take the guesswork out of cooking by providing everything you need to make a delicious meal at home.

For anyone looking to expand their cooking skills or break out of a recipe rut, these meal kits are a great way to explore new cuisines, cooking techniques, and ingredients without the overwhelm of meal planning.

Ideas to Try:

  • Order a meal kit for a fun at-home cooking experience.
  • Try a dish from a different culture—whether cooking it yourself or ordering takeout.
  • If traveling, eat where the locals go—skip the chain restaurants and find a hidden gem.

5. Read or Watch Something Different

Most of us gravitate toward familiar genres in books, movies, and shows, but stepping outside that comfort zone can be refreshing. A different style of storytelling can inspire new ways of thinking and seeing the world.

Ideas to Try:

  • Choose a book in a genre you don’t typically read—historical fiction, memoir, poetry, or a classic.
  • Watch an international film or documentary on a topic you know little about.
  • If traveling, pick up a book by an author from the region you’re visiting.

6. Create a Personal Spring Challenge

Setting a simple, low-pressure challenge for the season can bring a sense of fun and purpose to the weeks ahead. It could be as simple as trying a new café every weekend, journaling daily for a month, or learning the basics of a new skill.

Ideas to Try:

  • Start a springtime “bucket list” with five simple things you want to experience.
  • Try a 7-day challenge—whether it’s cooking new meals, morning journaling, or taking photos of small joys each day.
  • Pick up a hobby you’ve always been curious about, even if just for fun.

Conclusion: A Season for Small Adventures

Spring invites renewal—not just in nature, but in the way we approach life. Whether traveling, staying local, or simply shifting small habits, trying something new can awaken a sense of curiosity and joy.

The best part? There’s no pressure. It’s not about grand transformations but about embracing possibility—a fresh perspective, an unexpected delight, or a small adventure that adds just a little more joy to the day.

So as spring unfolds, what’s one new thing you’re excited to try?

Joy & Blessings,

Jenny