Taking a break from habit can be healthy, even when those habits aren’t potentially harmful.

Just deviating from routine — eating at a new restaurant, taking a different route home or going for a hike in the woods rather than a walk in town — can open someone up to experiences they may find they enjoy. Experiences that may turn into healthy, lifelong habits themselves.

The Jan. 27 edition of the Butler Eagle gave a look at tips for stepping back for a time from substances like caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Those same tips can help people step out of their ordinary habits and allow themselves to more fully experience the opportunities all around them.

Teaming up with others is just as useful for exploring new things as it is for stepping away from the use of various substances. Finding others in your social circle to try new foods, take a class, join an activity league or go on trips with others can make what could be daunting experiences enjoyable.

As with giving up alcohol or tobacco, remember the little steps count. Try the sushi before digging into a sashimi platter. Take a trip to a nearby historical site or state park before booking that trip to Denali. Simply taking the long way home can present sights you might have overlooked. Every new experience, regardless of how small holds the potential to find something you may enjoy for the rest of your life.

So why not? There’s a whole world out there waiting.

— JP