The Spice Of Life

The quote, variety is the spice of life comes from English poet William Cowper’s piece The Task (1785): ‘Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.’ The sentiment has been expressed in similar ways, as far back as the ancient Greeks. Variety of the sort to invigorate life is something which has been missing for many of us this year. And with the regular tier reviews, which tend to move upwards for now, opportunities for variety become more limited. Lack of variety is disruptive to human nature.

Consider food, for example. We are advised to eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups every day. This offers balance to our diet, provides a cross section of the nutrients we need to keep healthy, and keeps our food interesting. And variety in our lives contributes towards our overall wellbeing and happiness levels.

In 2014, researchers from six institutions across four countries published a paper in the Journal of Experimental Psychology showing that variety of emotions is good for people’s mental and physical health. Those with a wider variety of emotions – greater emodiversity – showed less tendency towards depressive illnesses.

In a 2015 research paper, “Will Variety Make You Happy”, Professors Cassie Mogilner and Jordan Etkin, found that high-variety schedules led to the greatest happiness. It wasn’t quite as simple as that, of course. Watching several different types of sport on television during the day might be varied, but this is classed as a low-variety day, which doesn’t achieve levels of happiness that a high-variety day can lead to. People also need enough time to complete tasks, so they feel they have achieved something productive. A high-variety day, without enough time to complete the tasks satisfactorily leads to stress levels increasing.

The Dalai Lama has provided his own advice on variety: ‘Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before’. You may, as a result, meet new people, experience new cultures, try new foods, and generally diversify your life experience. Each of which nourishes us individually, increases our emotional intelligence, and perhaps improves our tolerance and understanding of others.

This year, lockdown has inevitably led to a lack of variety. Activities have run, then stopped. Planning ahead has been difficult, with places open, then closed. The emotions we have experienced may have been varied, but perhaps not in the way we would choose.

Moving towards the new year, we face more difficult months. Activities for children will pause, opportunities for people to meet will reduce, and days will begin to lose definition.

Along with many others, I’m taking small steps towards trying to retain a bit of variety during the coming months. I’ve set up a ‘would you rather’ type discussion with one of the other trustees I volunteer with. For example, would you rather be able to read people’s minds, or have the power of invisibility? Simple, but it’s a means of keeping in touch.

I’ve sought compilations of short stories, for a bit of literary variety. I’ll review one of the collections next month. If you enjoy a range of reading, consider subscribing to the quarterly magazine, Scribble. For £15 a year (in the U.K.) you will receive an eclectic selection of short stories put together in a neat A5 size booklet.

Future Learn offers a wide range of free online courses, from languages to law, mathematics to mental health. There isn’t always much time around the edges of life, but learning is always worth setting time aside for. The Centre of Excellence currently has a small selection of free courses running. These include a diploma in home education, and a spiritual life coaching audio course. I’ve completed a number of Centre of Excellence courses, and recommend them. They follow a structure of learning, and assessment, with a qualification at the end of many of the courses.

The coming weeks will be tough for most of us, in different ways. I hope we can work to support one and other through the days, and keep the variety flowing. If you struggle, 24 hour NHS mental health care is available to people in England. Find your local team here. The NHS also offers general guidance on accessing help for mental health. Even in these busy times, help is available.

Finally, take care and stay safe. Thank you for reading during 2020; here’s to a healthy and peaceful 2021.