How to Be More Spontaneous

Some of the happiest people you'll find are the most free thinking and spontaneous. Not content to carry out the same, dull routine each day, they strive to add new experiences to their routine to give life fresh flavor and meaning. Even if you're not a naturally spontaneous person, you can add spontaneity and creativity to your life by taking some simple steps to break out of your established routine. By doing so, you'll find yourself less burdened with stress, anxiety, and depression as you uncover new ideas and opportunities. Here are some ways to be more spontaneous:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take a Different Route
   
   Instead of driving the same route to work or to run errands each day, try to take a different path where you'll be exposed to new sights and sounds. As you drive, look at your city or town with the fresh eyes of a tourist. Do you see things you haven't noticed before? Stop off and get coffee at a new place. Take a few minutes to sit down and really absorb the essence of the new environment. It's so easy to go through life with our senses turned off, never really seeing what's around us.
2. Spend Thirty Minutes with a Child
   
   Children are naturally spontaneous and enthusiastic. Set aside thirty minutes to spend with a child. Let the child determine the activity and set the pace. Follow along with an open mind. Children have much to teach us about being spontaneous, open, and curious.
3. Make Time for Self-Expression
   
   Take the time to engage in an act of self expression each day. Spend thirty minutes creating with your hands or writing in a journal. You don't need to be an artist to create beautiful artwork. Form collages out of handmade paper, interesting photos, or flowers and leaves found on a nature walk. Create a spontaneous, abstract work of art using paint. Become a rubber stamp artist. If you express yourself better with words, compose a poem or craft funny quotes. Don't worry about whether your creations are good or bad. The key is to allow your thought and ideas to flow freely.
4. Rediscover Nature
   
   Make it a point to get outside and rediscover nature each day. Take a long walk along wooded trails, hike a mountain, or get that bike you never use out of the garage and onto the street. Really absorb the immense beauty of nature as you walk or pedal. Take a bike ride with a child. You'll see things together that you may not have noticed on your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to be open to new experiences even if they seem scary at first.