The Power of Curiosity in Our Well-Being

Lately, I’ve noticed something small but telling about my own rhythms. Most afternoons, I’ve been reaching for my jar of loose-leaf tea — the caffeinated kind. It’s a comforting ritual: heat the water, choose the blend, pour and steep. I tell myself it’s about energy and focus, and honestly, it is. I’ve got a lot of projects going right now, and I want to show up for them clear-headed, upbeat, and fully engaged.

But yesterday, as I stood there with tea jar in hand, I paused. A moment of curiosity bubbled up: What’s happening on the other end of the equation?

It’s easy to notice when we’re low — tired, stressed, discouraged — and to think, Ah, I need to restore, slow down, soothe. But what about the times when things are buzzing along beautifully? When we’re energized, creative, and full of momentum? It can feel counterintuitive to stop and ask: Am I supporting my nervous system in staying balanced?

That little pause led me into a gentle inventory of what’s been nourishing me lately. A few strength training sessions at the gym. Connection time with friends. Meaningful progress on work that excites me. Those are all things that fill me up.

But I realized what might be missing is a bit of quiet. A moment to let everything settle. To give my nervous system a chance to catch up with the activity of the week — to process, to dream, to just be.

Curiosity can be a powerful doorway into this kind of awareness. Not judgment, not self-criticism — just curiosity. The willingness to pause and ask gentle questions:

• What’s working for me right now?

• Where might I need a little more balance or breathing room?

• How can I honor both my energy and my rest — the fullness and the stillness?

For me, it’s a reminder that well-being isn’t just about recovery after burnout or recalibration after a rough patch. It’s also about tending to myself in the good times — staying curious about how I’m feeling, what I’m needing, and how I can keep my inner landscape aligned with the pace of the outer world.

So as I sip my tea (yes, still caffeinated), I’m also thinking about carving out an afternoon of solitude — maybe a walk by the lake or a quiet stretch of time with no agenda.

How about you? Would it be helpful to check in with yourself periodically, even in the energetic, happy and buzzing times of life, to see what you might need to feel your best long-term?