The brain loves routine, but it also loves novelty. I feel refreshed when I take myself on outings, and though most of my trips are to places in New York City, I have a few tips to share for anyone who would like to be more intentional about going places.
- What do you like to do? To quote Gretchen Rubin, “You can choose what you do; you can’t choose what you LIKE to do.”
- Subscribe for emails from your favorite museums and attractions and places you are interested in. This way you’ll know when there’s a great exhibit or event coming up. Some places I subscribe to are the Met, the 92nd St. Y, Whitney, and Society of Illustrators. I check the New York Historical Society, MoMA, NYPL, performing arts centers and other museums’ websites from time to time. I also check this website for activities. These resources are NYC-specific, but you can look for similar ones for your own city.
- When you hear or read about something you want to try, whether online, in a magazine, or if someone mentions it, write it down! Bonus if you put it on your calendar.
- Buy tickets and commit.
- Try activities at a mix of price ranges; often it’s the novelty itself that helps make an experience so delightful, even if the activity is cheap or free.
- Go places yourself and with other people. (I do mostly the former, but when I’m with friends I’m always reminded of how much fun that is).
- Choose the default to make planning easier (i.e. “How about we do X on this date?”).
- Bring snacks.
- You win or you learn!
What would you add?
Love these tips! Thanks.