Are you always eager to explore your surroundings when you travel for work? Do you find yourself more curious and adventurous when stepping foot onto foreign soil? Yet, when at home, your adventurous spirit seems to take a backseat? Is it just the byproduct of habituation by our home routines, or is there something more to this phenomenon?

Let’s dive into the reasons why we are more inclined to explore when we are traveling and how new environments impact our brain. What might be the benefits of approaching our familiar surroundings with the same energy as a traveler? What are some practical ways to rekindle that explorer mindset to live a happier, more fulfilling, and exciting life at home.

The Lure of Unfamiliar Surroundings

The allure of unfamiliar surroundings lies in our inherent curiosity and the desire for new experiences. When in a new environment, our senses are heightened as our brain processes novel stimuli, leading to increased alertness and attentiveness. A fresh location offers new sights, sounds, smells, and opportunities to learn and grow, which can lead to increased self-reflection and self-discovery.

Our Brain on Wanderlust

Research indicates that being in a new environment stimulates our brain, strengthening cognitive functions and improving mental health. A [study](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12562-015-0902-z) published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life suggests that even just planning and anticipating a trip can significantly increase happiness levels.

The On-the-Road vs. At-Home Conundrum

Traveling for work often involves similar responsibilities and tasks as when working from home. yet somehow, even with these same work responsibilities, we tend to adopt a different mindset on the road. We see travel as an opportunity to break free from our everyday routines, and this change of scenery helps us reduce stress and recharge our batteries even while carrying our usual work load. I notice myself engaging in conversation with strangers more than usual, trying out new and interesting restaurants even when it’s a business travel city I’ve been to a million times before, looking up local events to check out, all of which end up contributing to a richer, more fulfilling experience away from home.

How to Bring the Traveler’s Mindset Home

Here are some ideas I plan to put into practice when I get back home to help me keep this explorer spirit alive in my daily life:

Challenge my daily habits by introducing small changes, such as trying a new coffee shop or taking a different route to work.

Visit local museums, parks, or attractions that I’ve either never explored before or only take advantage of when I’m entertaining visitors away from THEIR homes.

There are tons of cultural events, food festivals, social gatherings, and live music adventures happening in my city too and I plan on making it a point to join in.

Even if I’m out with my husband or my local friends I should always make it a point to engage in conversations with new people when we are out because they bring new stories, perspectives and potentially widen our friends circle.

While I love our old standby fave restaurants there are so many new places popping up just waiting to be explored. I’m going to make a point of being open to traveling just a few miles farther for a meal out just to experience something new and exciting.

By adopting the mindset of an excited traveler while at home, we can infuse our daily lives with a renewed sense of adventure and curiosity. By embracing the unfamiliar and incorporating small changes into our routines, we can counter the mundaneness of everyday life, ultimately leading to increased happiness, personal growth, and a more profound connection to the world around us.

In these uncertain times, it can be easy to forget the joys of travel and exploration. By taking ownership of our environment, we can rediscover old passions with fresh eyes and make our home as exciting as any place in the world. With determination and creativity, we can all find ways to cultivate an explorer mindset and create our own unique adventures.

Let’s get out there and see what the world has to offer — even if it’s just in our own backyards!