Brains and Change

Aren’t we an odd lot? We are as infinitely different as snowflakes are, yet universal truths exist among humans. One of those is reaction to change. It’s mindboggling how noisy we can become when facing it.

Prehistoric beings adhered to successful routine strategies for survival, yet they endured massive changes for the same reason. I wonder, though. Did they ever pull up a stump closer to the fire and, while sipping honey-sweetened bark water, discuss the bunch in the valley over yonder when they appeared to have lost their senses

Even slight change draws remarks, criticism or complaints. We’ve evolved to discussing such things on screens from anywhere, not even sipping our flavored coffees while sitting around the same table. Response to change is more fun in person.

Back in my day, there were such discussions leaning on backyard fences, sitting on park benches or on bus seats or at picnic tables during family barbecues.. Adults then certainly seemed to have better ways for doing most things, if they had only been asked. Those conversations were animated, sometimes loud and many times punctuated with laughter.

Some of us thrive on routine while others of us need less structure to keep boredom at a manageable distance. A bit of boredom is not necessarily a bad thing, though. Brains need down time as well as chances to create additional pathways through the gray matter. Change can be good.

That does not mean those combatting anxiety and maintaining sanity with time-honored routines should throw schedules out the window. That’s a sure-fire way to create chaos. Attitudes and perspectives can be enhanced by simply altering one aspect. It’s a grand deterrent to burnout, too.

Conversely, those who prefer less structure might experience an increase in productivity and creativity with a bit more routine to manage life’s mundane details.

So move the furniture around, order a different coffee, wear some tie-dye, read a book from a genre you avoid, sit in a different pew….or slide to the other end of the same one. Baby steps. And get ready for some raised eyebrows from folks wondering what you’re up to. That’s okay. Your brain can handle it.