Variety is the Spice, sugar, salt, pepper, pickle and the cherry on top of life

The older I get the easier it is to let routine rule. It can sneakily make it’s way into all aspects of our lives. Especially with kids where we can fall into a groundhog day type state without even knowing.  Same meals, same snacks, same exercises, same people, same weekly activities, same weekend activities, same pizza toppings to create a nice comfortable bubble of sameness.

Whilst I believe routine is pivotal to helping life run smoothly I think it is important we introduce a pinch of variety to all aspects of our life.

But how do I introduce variety without disrupting my flow, or angering wild monkey of a child?

I am not suggesting you start pouring a whole sachet of garum masala to your bolognaise. It can begin with trying one new vegetable from the fruit shop every week and making a new dish out of it. Get the monkey to choose it. Much of the latest research shows links between a diet with a variety of plants and positive health outcomes including mental health – Variety is key in achieving this. My hero Tim Spector recommends eating 30 different plants a week to develop a thriving gut microbiome.

You can also add variety by getting your groceries from other places besides the supermarket. Local Asian, Indian and middle eastern grocers who have a huge variety of products that will bring a whole new zing to your meals.

But why stop at food?

Finding your morning runs just aren’t giving you the same endorphin rush? Your crossfit sessions just not changing your body the way it did at the start. This is because our bodies respond well to variety and can adapt to new movement. If you have hit a wall in your progression mix it up, move differently, flex new muscles, run further, faster or bend in new ways.

I am very passionate about community and leaning into it to bring variety to your life, it is important in all our lives and we should treasure it like we do family. Do you find you gravitate to the same people? Same cultural backgrounds who do the same things as you on the weekend and vote for the same party at election time? Letting new people into your life/community allows us to open our minds to new perspectives and ways of life which leads to a deeper understanding of each other.

We cannot truly grow, learn and develop if we do not open ourselves a world that is different to our own.

So add a dash of variety to your life, take the kids to a gig instead of jumping castle land, go to a Greek deli, take up pole dancing lessons and invite the new family in your neighbourhood over for a tea to see how variety can add value and flavour to your life.