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By Art Markman, Ph.D. for YouBeauty


The Internet is a funny thing. On the one hand, there is a wealth of information out there at your fingertips. Almost anything you want to know can be found, because people have taken the time to put it up on the web. On the other hand, this wealth of information obliges us to select which channels of information we use. And as a result, we often unwittingly narrow our options to those we agree with.


Years ago, information was distributed locally. You turned on your TV set, and there were three basic TV networks. There were a couple of local newspapers. There were a handful of big magazines that you could subscribe to. Because there were only a few outlets, they all had to provide content that spoke to a range of people. There were articles and programs on a lot of topics. Different political views were all presented. Unless you cut yourself off from media entirely, you were forced to hear things you disagreed with.


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Now, you can choose from a vast and seemingly limitless array of options that are specialized to particular interests and even to specific views within that interest. YouBeauty focuses on a scientific approach to thinking about beauty. There are news networks for liberals and others for conservatives. There are networks for food, travel and home improvement.


The problem with having all of this choice is that you may end up listening only to people whom you are predisposed to agree with. Some of the most important moments in our lives, though, come when we are confronted by people who think differently than we do. Then, we are forced to question our assumptions and to look at our world in a different way. It may be uncomfortable at first to have our deepest assumptions questioned, but it is ultimately of great value.


So, in the next month step out of the echo chamber and do at least three things that will force you out of your comfort zone.



  • Pick up a magazine that you have never read before.




  • Start up a conversation with someone whose politics are different from your own.

  • Watch a movie from a genre you normally avoid.

  • Take a trip to a place you have never been.

  • Try a style of food that is new to you.

  • Buy a book by an author you have never read before.

  • Listen to a new style of music.


And when you’re done, tell your friends about what you experienced. Leave a comment on this post and tell us about what you did that was new. How did these new experiments expand your horizons? What did you discover that may become a new favorite? What did you try that you will never try again?


Vive la difference.



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  • Cook Yourself Up A Luxurious Brunch


    You deserve a breakfast that doesn't come shrink-wrapped every now and again, and cooking it yourself will make it all the more scrumptious. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/05/egg-recipes-breakfast-brunch_n_987844.html">Get some <em>egg</em>cellent inspiration, here.</a>)




  • Write A Note Of Gratitude To Your Best Friend


    ...when it <em>isn't</em> her birthday. Make a list of all the reasons she earns the title of BFF: She'll feel appreciated and grateful to have <em>you</em> in her life, and writing it will remind you how lucky you are to have her, too.




  • Get Moving


    Lace up your sneaks, leash up your love and GO. No matter how you decide to move, choose to leave your cell at home -- grant yourself this time to be present with <em>your own</em> thoughts, and not the thoughts of the Twittersphere.




  • Take A Nap


    You'll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle any problem that seemed impossible pre-snooze. (Want to take a nap at work? We're all for it! <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/how-to-nap-at-work_n_1232352.html">Find some tips, here.</a>)




  • Get Lost In Your City


    Google Maps has saved your life again and again, but it's dulled the wonders of wandering. Why not take a break from knowing where you're going and instead explore the undiscovered?




  • Ritualize Your Morning Cup Of Joe


    For a lot of us, our A.M. cup of coffee blends into the frantic "routine" of getting to work on time. Consider setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier to enjoy every aspect of your delicious morning ritual. (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ora-nadrich/meditation-practice_b_2114526.html">Some tips to turn your morning cup of coffee into a meditation -- it works for tea, too!</a>)




  • Sit Like This


    Maybe you don't have time to unplug today. Fine. What about five minutes to sit? Good. Get yourself in this postion -- <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/stress-tips-yoga-poses_n_2736129.html?utm_hp_ref=gps-for-the-soul&ir=GPS%20for%20the%20Soul">Viparita Karani, or Legs Up the Wall</a> -- for just five minutes and feel the stress of the day evaporate.




  • Take An Art Class


    Remember when Art was your favorite subject in school? Relive that release of creativity. (Sampling the Elmer's Glue is not encouraged.)




  • Take A Page From Your Grandmother's Recipe Book


    Try crafting a meal from your roots, whether it's from a page of your Grandma's passed-down recipe book or the extravagant birthday dinner your dad used to cook you as a kid. One rule: No looking up the steps online!




  • Read A Book


    Preferably one with pages that you turn, not tap.




  • Dig Through Some Childhood Memorabilia


    Dust off those boxes of fourth grade genius: No one could compete with your report on Ulysses S. Grant (or so said your No. 1 fan: Mom). Revel in that fantastic feeling of nostalgia -- you are sure to find some gems!




  • Take A Bath


    It won't be long until waterproof phones become the norm. For now, light a candle and take a nice, long tech-free soak -- you'll emerge <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/bath-bomb-recipe_n_2431955.html">relaxed</a> and peaceful.




  • Feed The Ducks


    Talk about appreciating the present moment: Those ducks won't ignore you for their Instagram feed. You'll get their full attention in exchange for a little bread.




  • Declutter


    Pick a space in your home and get organized. Doing a bit of a home-cleanse will help you feel <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophie-keller/declutter-home-cleanse_b_1166467.html">less chaotic on the inside</a>.




  • Write Stream Of Consciousness


    Whip out a pen and start scribbling -- you might be surprised to see all that's on your mind, without the interruptions and distractions from your external gadgets.




  • People Watch


    Pick a crowded part of town and observe: People are always up to curious things that you won't notice unless your head's up!




  • Host A Phone-Free Potluck


    Gather your gang for a night of culinary joy -- everyone should bring a dish, but leave their cells behind.




  • Volunteer


    Spend some time doing something good for someone else -- you'll reap the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/terri-cole/volunteering-health_b_2189477.html">many benefits of altruism</a>, and maybe even dig up a new hobby.




  • Play A Board Game


    Just because they recently <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/06/monopoly-cat-piece_n_2629561.html">swapped the iconic iron piece for a cat </a>doesn't mean your favorite classics aren't worth a revisit.




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