At a Writers' Festival, I heard Hugh Mackay speak about the desires that drive us. He believes these desires are “What Makes Us Tick", the title of one of his books. Mackay is a well-known Australian social researcher whose books have captured current and emerging societal trends. One of the ten drives that he lists is the desire for something to happen. Emphasising the need for novelty, change and stimulation, he writes “We need breaks, breakouts, breakaways." We all need a holiday occasionally.
The anticipation with which we look forward to a holiday period is based upon the expectation of change, something different from our current routine. There are cognitive benefits associated with stimulus, novelty, uncertainty and excitement.
Holidays don't have to involve travel, theme parks or significant costs in order for them to provide a different, stimulating or exciting change in routine. Cognitive stimulation can come from a variety of sources: reading, social interaction, family excursions, exercise, movies, extended play, games (interactive, card and even electronic varieties), puzzles, visits to new places, sport and acquiring new skills.
As well as the cognitive benefits of holidays, there are also emotional benefits. We look forward to holidays, thinking about or planning what might happen because anticipation of activities stimulates a pleasurable response, even before the event is experienced. We may experience pleasure during an event; and extend the pleasure after an activity by remembering, looking at photos taken during this period or telling someone about it. We tend to remember and savour unusual experiences rather than the humdrum, ordinary routines of life.
Young people who complain of boredom during holiday periods are craving change, a break from predictable routines. Of course, holidays can't always be filled with excitement. There may be academic tasks to complete, utilising time unstructured by the confines of a daily timetable, but academic commitments need to be interspersed with stimulating, refreshing activities during the holidays.
James Kagan, a professor of psychology at Harvard maintains that the unfamiliar has a critical role to play in cognitive and social development. From the earliest stages of development, we are drawn to novel, unfamiliar images or experiences. Neuroscience studies have identified significant brain growth in those exposed to new, different experiences. Kagan's concept of 'nodes of uncertainty' indicates the importance of unusual, surprising experiences that disturb complacency. We experience intellectual challenges when we experience change, whether this involves learning a new skill or finding our way in an unfamiliar place. Holidays are a time for rest and relaxation, but as Mackay says, “To stay sharp, we need things to happen." Enjoy some holiday surprises.
© Michele Juratowitch
michele@clearingskies.com.au