As a father, sibling, and uncle, I’ve been fortunate to witness how children experience the world and learn. Constantly experiencing things for the first time, their curiosity grounds them in the present in a way that adults struggle to grasp.

All four of my grandparents were youthful even in their old age, and the common trait they shared was their curiosity about the world: reading, doing crosswords, learning new things, and generally being inquisitive.

It’s easy to fall into a work-eat-sleep rut. Keeping hold of your childlike curiosity is the number one thing that will keep you youthful and enthusiastic about life. Otherwise, what’s the point of being here at all?

You should make curiosity a pillar of your mindset. It encourages growth, resilience, and vitality. Staying curious improves your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It can be an excellent gauge of how happy/present/intentional you are in your current situation. Think about times in your life when you felt most “lost” and you will most likely realize they were also times you felt most numb.

Here are 10 ways to nurture your curiosity:

1. Ask Questions Relentlessly

As a kid, I’d ask loads of questions (like most kids). Whenever my grandmother didn’t know the answer, she’d take out her encyclopedias and we’d find the answer together. This is something I’ve maintained to this day, with the help of my phone.

Children are always asking “why,” “how,” and “what if.” Can you imagine how much more you’d learn by maintaining that attitude throughout adulthood? Reclaim that inquisitive energy by questioning your health routines, dietary choices, and fitness habits. Ask your doctor about the science behind your prescriptions. Explore the reasoning behind popular wellness trends.

• Use platforms like PubMed to explore peer-reviewed health research.
• Follow medical Q&A forums like HealthTap or WebMD’s Ask the Experts.

Curiosity leads to informed decisions—and informed decisions lead to empowered living.

2. Explore New Hobbies

You know how everything seems more alive when you visit somewhere on holiday? Colors seem brighter. Air feels crisper. Music stirs you in ways you’d forgotten. You get excited about food and smells and sights and people in ways you ordinarily wouldn’t.

Trying something new activates the brain’s reward system and builds neuroplasticity. Whether it’s pottery, salsa dancing, or birdwatching, hobbies offer mental stimulation, emotional satisfaction, and even physical benefits.

• Skillshare or MasterClass offer creative and wellness-focused classes.
• Meetup can help you find local hobby groups and workshops.

New hobbies don’t just entertain—they transform. Perhaps, after all, there really is wisdom in the saying “a change is as good as a holiday”.

3. Read Widely

As a child, I was an insatiable reader. I was fortunate enough to live right next door to the public library. I would go over there, choose a book, run back home, read it cover-to-cover, and be back a day or two later to get another. I could spend hours paging through volumes and exploring everything from dog breeds to how pirates lived.

Reading is a portal to new worlds and ideas. When you read intentionally, in your mind, you are wherever the story is.

Books, blogs, and articles are a great way to find out more about nutrition, psychology, fitness, and mindfulness.

Curiosity-driven reading expands your worldview.

• Greater Good Magazine offers science-backed articles on well-being.
• Harvard Health Blog gives expert insights on aging, fitness, and mental health.
• Psychology Today provides accessible articles on curiosity and emotional wellness.

Reading isn’t just passive—it’s a form of active exploration. It’s a tool that can unlock your curiosity.

4. Learn from Experts

There’s nothing more fascinating to me than an expert, in any field. It’s not so much what they know that intrigues me. It’s that they have a love for something that runs so deep they were able to dedicate years of their life to understanding the minutest details.

A few years ago, I took wood carving lessons from a sculptor. When he carved, it looked like he was cutting through butter. He just knew exactly the right amount of pressure, the right direction. When I tried, of course, my results were a mess in comparison. Expertise (or mastery) is, after all, precisely that: having repeated the basics so many times that you can do them quickly and efficiently without even thinking about it. Those movements have become second nature.

Workshops, webinars, and lectures offer direct access to expert knowledge. Whether it’s a nutritionist explaining gut health or a psychologist discussing stress management, expert-led learning can spark new habits and perspectives.

• You can find free and paid courses on Coursera and edX.
• You can attend virtual events via Eventbrite or TED Talks.

The more you learn, the more curious you become.

5. Travel and Explore

There’s no doubt travel opens your mind. However, I believe this happens to varying degrees depending on how intentional you are about being open. You’ll inevitably be affected by any experience outside your comfort zone. But when you are intentional about it, the rewards will be that much greater.

Travel isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about expanding your sensory and cultural horizons. The food, the people, the landscapes… But you must be willing to endure some inconvenience and some setbacks if you want a chance to see things from an entirely new perspective. New environments challenge your brain, expose you to different practices, and encourage adaptability.

• Atlas Obscura can help you discover hidden gems and cultural traditions.
• Culture Trip is great for inspiration.

On a side note, I am a big fan of micro adventures. See Alastair Humphreys’ website for more about this. The thing I love most about this concept is that you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to make new discoveries about yourself and your world. Simply stepping out of your routine can shake you. Even local travel—like visiting a new park, a new museum, or trying different cuisine—can reignite your sense of wonder.

6. Stay Curious About Your Body

This kind of curiosity and awareness goes hand-in-hand with a healthy exercise habit. If you’re exercising regularly, being conscious about how your nutritional and sleep habits affect your performance adds a whole new level of awareness.

Understanding your body’s mechanics helps you make smarter choices. Learn about how your organs function, how food affects your energy, and how movement impacts your mood.

• BrainHQ is good for brain training and cognitive health.
• MyFitnessPal or Cronometer help track nutrition and physical activity.
• NIH’s MedlinePlus provides accessible health education.

7. Connect with Others

As mentioned in the section about travel, when it comes to curiosity about different cultures or points of view, it is essential to be intentionally curious.

Curiosity is a bridge to empathy. It’s important to engage in conversations with people from different cultures, generations, and lifestyles. Ask about their rituals, beliefs, and experiences. If you only ever speak to people who confirm your own biases, how are you ever going to evolve past your present situation?

• Join forums like The Mighty for health-related storytelling and support.
• Explore Blue Zones to learn how communities around the world live longer, healthier lives, and how connection with others is an essential part of that equation.

Connection fuels curiosity—and curiosity deepens connection.

8. Experiment Mindfully

It’s easy to get so busy you forget to check in with yourself. Sometimes you might have no idea how you’re really doing until something happens that forces you to stop. It’s important to make time to stop, breathe, and collect your thoughts and feelings; to switch off and just be in the present moment, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

I disagree with anyone who suggests their own method is THE way. I firmly believe we each develop our own way through experimentation, experience, and self-knowledge.

Try different foods, workouts, or mindfulness techniques. Keep a journal recording your experiences. Reflect on what works for you and what doesn’t. Curiosity isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration.

• Daylio or Journey are good for journaling your wellness experiments.
• Headspace or Insight Timer for guided meditations and relaxation tools.

Experiment with mindfulness and personalize your practice.

9. Stay Open-Minded

It’s important to challenge your assumptions and explore alternative approaches to all areas of your life. For example, when it comes to your health, if you’ve never tried them before, acupuncture, Ayurveda, or forest bathing may be new ideas that can unlock unexpected benefits. The important thing is to be open to alternatives and to be a critical thinker.

• Read Science-Based Medicine for critical evaluations of alternative health practices.
• Explore The Chopra Center for holistic wellness insights.
• Learn about integrative medicine via NIH’s NCCIH.

Curiosity means you’re willing to say, “I don’t know—but I’d like to find out.”

10. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Maintaining a curious mindset keeps your mind sharp. I personally feel we’re on this Earth with an important task: to experience every aspect of this world to the fullest. Curiosity is the engine of lifelong growth. Take online courses, listen to podcasts, and attend lectures that challenge and inspire you.

• The Doctor’s Farmacy or Ten Percent Happier provide insights to health and mindfulness.
• Explore happiness.com for articles and community discussions on curiosity and well-being.
• FutureLearn offers health and psychology courses.

Lifelong learners are lifelong explorers—and lifelong explorers are often the healthiest (and happiest) among us.

Final Thoughts

You see, curiosity isn’t necessarily a trait you’re born with, it’s a wellness strategy. It keeps your brain agile, your heart open, and your habits evolving.

Whether you’re asking questions, trying new things, or connecting with others, curiosity is the thread that weaves vitality into every stage of life.

So go ahead—be relentlessly curious. And enjoy the process.