Just like a good fitness routine can keep your body agile, daily habits can keep your mind nimble and open. These habits can fuel your curiosity and help you see the world in a new light, regardless of your age.

Here are some daily habits that will help you maintain – or even boost – your curiosity and open-mindedness as you age.

1) Embrace the unknown

As we age, it’s easy to get stuck in our ways. We find comfort in the familiar and often resist changes. But here’s the thing: change is inevitable, and it’s also a gateway to curiosity.

Embracing the unknown can lead to new experiences, knowledge, and perspectives. It allows us to see the world with fresh eyes and keeps our minds nimble and open.

It doesn’t mean you have to go skydiving or move to a different continent (though if that’s your thing, more power to you!). Embracing the unknown can be as simple as trying a new cuisine, reading a book on an unfamiliar topic, or starting a conversation with someone whose views differ from yours.

So, step out of your comfort zone. Encourage yourself to embrace the unknown. You’ll be surprised by how much more curious and open-minded you can become.

2) Ask more questions

Growing up, I was always the kid who raised his hand in class – not because I always had the answers, but because I had a million questions. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the power of that simple habit.

Asking questions keeps our brains active and engaged. It pushes us to dig deeper, explore unfamiliar territory and challenge our assumptions. The more questions we ask, the more curious we become.

Just the other day, for instance, I found myself in a conversation about a topic I knew nothing about: cryptocurrency. Instead of nodding along and pretending to understand, I asked questions. And you know what? Not only did I learn something new about blockchain technology, but my curiosity was piqued. Now, I find myself reading more about it in my free time.

So don’t be afraid to ask questions – whether it’s about something big like the mysteries of the universe or something small like how your coffee maker works. Inquisitiveness is a muscle; the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

3) Practice mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, we tend to rush through our days, not paying much attention to the details. But did you know that mindfulness can be a powerful tool for fostering curiosity and open-mindedness?

Mindfulness is all about living in the present moment, paying close attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s about noticing the smell of your morning coffee, the sound of birds chirping outside your window, or the texture of grass beneath your feet.

A study conducted by Harvard University found that people who practice mindfulness regularly have more gray matter in parts of their brain associated with learning and memory. This suggests that mindfulness can boost our cognitive abilities and foster a greater sense of curiosity.