Curiosity as a Lifestyle: 7 Ways to Embrace Exploration in Your Daily Routine

Curiosity has always been a keystone of who I am, though I didn’t always recognize it. For years, I simply followed my interests, whether it was diving headfirst into new hobbies, asking endless questions, or pursuing unexpected opportunities. It wasn’t until I sat down to truly define my values and reflect on my past that I realized curiosity was a common thread guiding my decisions and shaping my life. This natural inquisitiveness didn’t just fuel my personal growth, it also became a core value that drove my desire to create Coriosity Co.

To me curiosity is a mindset, a way of engaging with the world that invites wonder and discovery. For the naturally curious, this perspective may come easily. For others, it might feel out of reach, especially when life gets busy.

So how do you cultivate curiosity if it doesn’t feel innate or if you’re struggling to make time for it? Whether it’s experimenting with a new skill, exploring fresh perspectives, or breaking out of your routine, curiosity can be nurtured. With the right approach, anyone can tap into the power of exploration and wonder. To get you started, I am sharing seven practical ways to embrace exploration and weave curiosity into your everyday life.

What Does It Mean to Live a Curious Life?

Living a curious life means having an open mind and a willingness to learn. It’s about asking questions, challenging your assumptions, and seeking out the unfamiliar. When you’re curious, life becomes less about routine and more about discovery. And when we choose to approach life through this lens, we choose growth, discovery, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Many successful people credit their success to a curious mindset. Take people like Albert Einstein who famously said, "I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious," or Marie Curie, whose insatiable thirst for knowledge changed the world of science. Curiosity isn’t just a trait; it’s a lifestyle choice that can lead to a more fulfilling, enriched life. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to explore the possibilities.

Benefits of Embracing Curiosity in Everyday Life

Curiosity can make life interesting but it is scientifically proven to be good for you too! Studies have linked curiosity to greater happiness and psychological well-being, with curious people often reporting higher satisfaction with life and lower levels of anxiety. This may be because the act of seeking novelty and exploring new ideas releases positive emotions, creating a cycle of discovery and joy.

Curiosity also strengthens relationships and expands empathy. Demonstrating genuine interest in others fosters deeper connections, with research showing that people are perceived as more likable and engaging when they ask thoughtful questions. Additionally, being curious about individuals outside your usual social circle can help you better understand different perspectives, enhancing your ability to relate to those with different backgrounds or experiences 

By cultivating curiosity, you may also start creating stronger relationships, greater emotional resilience, and a more vibrant outlook on life!

1. Practice Asking Questions

Ever notice how kids are constantly asking “why”? It’s because they’re naturally curious! As adults, we sometimes forget the power of asking questions. Yet, this simple habit can reignite your sense of wonder and lead you to incredible discoveries.

Start with open-ended questions like:

• Why do things work the way they do?
• How can I approach this differently?
• What would happen if…?

Or start each day with a question and begin your morning by journaling answers to prompts like:

• What am I excited to learn today?
• What is one thing I’ve never noticed about my surroundings?

Tips for Asking Better Questions

• Use “why,” “how,” and “what” questions to dig deeper.
• Pay close attention to the answers you receive.
• Consider keeping a question journal to track your thoughts and findings.

2. Explore New Skills and Hobbies

Curiosity thrives on novelty, and one of the best ways to nurture it is by trying something new. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, taking up photography, or trying out pottery, hobbies have a way of reigniting your sense of wonder and adventure.

Stepping out of your comfort zone might feel intimidating at first, but it’s always worth it. After all, every expert was once a beginner. The good news? You don’t need to constantly pick up new hobbies! Diving deeper into an existing passion can be just as fulfilling.

For me, art journaling became a new hobby back in 2020. I was fascinated by its creative possibilities and threw myself into learning everything I could about it. The best part was how it allowed me to incorporate other interests, like photography, into the process. Plus, it gave me an excuse to explore antique shops and thrift stores for unique materials to include in my projects.

It wasn’t until 2024 that I decided to step into something completely different and tried my hand at sewing. What started as a new skill quickly became another passion, and to my surprise, it seamlessly blended with my art journaling. Now, I incorporate fabric and sewing techniques into my pages, giving my journals a whole new dimension.

The beauty of exploring new hobbies is that they often connect in unexpected ways, enriching not only your skillset but also your creativity. Whether you’re adding a twist to an existing hobby or starting from scratch, the act of learning keeps your curiosity alive and thriving.

How to Choose a New Hobby

• Identify activities you’ve always wanted to try.
• Look for hobbies that align with your passions or challenge you in new ways. It can be as simple as introducing a new medium or technique or simply giving yourself a set of boundaries to work in, like limiting color.
• Check out local classes, online tutorials, or community events to get started. 

3. Cultivate a Habit of Reading

Reading has always been a staple in my life. Some of my earliest memories involve my mom reading to me and my siblings, sparking our imaginations and a love for stories. I’m old enough to remember the excitement of elementary school book fairs and the thrill of earning free pizzas for completing summer reading goals. All of these things not only cemented a reading habit, they fueled my curiosity and love of learning

Books are windows to worlds you might never experience otherwise. Whether it’s a novel, biography, or self-help book, reading fuels curiosity by introducing you to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives. Even just 20 minutes of daily reading can transform the way you see the world.

If you already read frequently, try switching up your genre of choice or simply dive deeper into what you are reading! I love a fast paced fantasy adventure to help relax but I can’t help but to look up things that I feel are references to other media or even real life people, places, or events. The key is to challenge yourself to step out of your reading comfort zone.

If you’re already a reader, challenge yourself to mix things up. Try exploring a genre you don’t normally gravitate toward, or dive deeper into the material that captures your attention. Personally, while I enjoy fast-paced fantasy adventures, I often find myself pausing to look up references to other media, historical events, or real-life places in these books. It’s a reminder that reading is a great form of entertainment and can just as easily be used for exploration and discovery.

Try These Reading Practices

• Set Reading Goals: Commit to finishing one book a month or reading a certain number of pages daily.
• Join a Book Club: Discussing books with others can deepen your understanding and spark curiosity about topics you hadn’t considered. My sister is currently leading a book club at the Amethyst Retreat Center if you are local to the area.
• Embrace Audiobooks: If you’re short on time, audiobooks are a great way to read on the go.

By making reading a habit, you’ll create a steady stream of inspiration that keeps your curiosity alive.

 

4. Seek Out Unfamiliar Experiences

Stepping into unfamiliar territory can be invigorating! Whether that’s traveling to a different city, trying a new-to-you cuisine, or attending an event outside your usual interests, getting outside of your normal routine is sure to spark your curiosity.

While it might feel uncomfortable at first, these experiences challenge your preconceived notions and help you grow. You also don’t have to go all out to change your perspective.

Small Ways to Embrace Newness

• Change your daily commute to see new places. 
• Sample dishes from different cultures to expand your palate.
• Go to a workshop, cultural festival, or meetup group outside your usual interests.
• Become a tourist in your own city! You really don’t need to venture too far to find something new and exciting happening. Look at your hometown through the eyes of a first-time visitor by checking out your area’s tourism websites and spots like Eventbrite, and you’ll uncover new experiences hidden in plain sight.

5. Connect with Diverse People

In a world where algorithms often create echo chambers, it’s easy to become surrounded by sameness. All of our social media platforms tend to serve us content that reinforces our existing preferences, leaving little room for new perspectives. This digital bubble can subtly diminish our empathy and make it harder to truly understand people who see the world differently.

The truth is, every person you meet has their own stories, knowledge, and experiences. Engaging with people from different cultures, professions, or stages of life invites you to see the world through fresh eyes. It’s a reminder that curiosity isn’t just about exploring new hobbies or ideas, but also about exploring the human experience.

Connecting with diverse people starts with intention. It’s about stepping beyond your usual circles and making space for conversations that challenge your perspective. Ask open-ended questions, listen with genuine interest, and remain open to what others can teach you. These interactions can help broaden your horizons while deepening your empathy and understanding, too.

Ways to Expand Your Circle:

• Volunteer Locally: Supporting a community organization can introduce you to people with shared values but different life experiences.
• Attend Events: Whether it’s a professional networking event, cultural celebration, or hobby group meetup, being present in new spaces helps forge connections.
• Challenge Your Feed: On social media, seek out and follow creators, organizations, or thought leaders who hold perspectives different from your own. Even small steps, like engaging with neutral or opposing viewpoints, can help you escape the algorithm’s bubble.

6. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is a powerful way to fuel your curiosity. Whether it’s enrolling in an online course, attending a workshop, or picking up a new language, continuous education keeps your mind sharp and engaged.

The beauty of lifelong learning is its flexibility. You can dive into anything that piques your interest, from digital marketing to astronomy, without formal constraints.

Ways to Incorporate Lifelong Learning

• Websites like Skillshare offer courses on almost any subject. Even your favorite artists may have a course to share their expertise!
• Experiment with hands-on activities like gardening, coding, or cooking.
• Set aside an hour or two each week for learning something new.

 

7. Keep a Curiosity Journal 

I am obviously a fan of journals, so maybe I am biased on this last tip. To me, journaling isn’t just a way to record your thoughts, it’s a tool for nurturing and exploring your curiosity. A notebook or journal dedicated to curiosity can serve as a personal space to jot down questions, reflect on new experiences, and track insights that spark your interest. Whether you prefer a traditional commonplace journal to collect quotes, ideas, and notes from your explorations or an art journal to express your discoveries visually, the act of documenting your curiosity can deepen your engagement with the world around you. This year, I am actually trying my hand at a dopamine journal as a way to really push myself to prioritize adventure, exploration, and curiosity in my day-to-day life.

A curiosity journal can help you notice patterns, track your growth, and stay motivated. It’s like having a conversation with your curious self.

Ideas for Curiosity Journal Entries

• Write down at least one question you pondered during the day.
• Document moments when you stepped out of your comfort zone.
• Note interesting concepts or insights that caught your attention.
• Use sketches, doodles, or collages to visually represent what inspires or intrigues you.

Over time, your journal(s) will become a collection of inspiration, helping you stay connected to your curious nature.

How to Overcome Barriers to Curiosity

Let’s be honest, life gets busy, and it’s easy to fall into routines that leave little room for exploration. But curiosity can break through those barriers if you let it.

• Fear of Failure: Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Perfection is NOT required!
• Judgment from Others: Remember, curiosity is your personal journey, not theirs.
• Lack of Time: Start small! Just 10 minutes a day of asking questions or trying something new can make a big difference.

By recognizing these challenges and addressing them head-on, you’ll keep curiosity at the forefront of your life.

Curiosity is a way of engaging with the world that can bring joy, growth, and connection into your life. Whether you’re diving into a new hobby, exploring different perspectives through books, or journaling to capture your thoughts and questions, embracing curiosity helps you see the world with fresh eyes.

Start small, but stay consistent. Even the simplest changes can unlock a world of possibilities. So, what’s stopping you? Embrace your own curiosity and see where it takes you!