Feeling stuck? Discover how first-time adventures can revive mental health in South Africa

IOL News

2 days ago

New experiences aren't just fun, they're a practical mental health tool.
Image: Hasan Utku Sala /pexels
As Men's Mental Health Month in June draws to a close, it's an opportune moment to highlight the pervasive yet often unspoken emotional challenges confronting men in South Africa.
Amid the pressures of societal expectations, economic challenges, and cultural norms, mental health often takes a backseat.
But what if tackling these issues doesn't require grand solutions, but something as simple as doing something new?
A recent survey revealed that 52% of South Africans cannot recall the last time they experienced something for the first time.
It also found that 94% of respondents yearn for novelty in their lives. This longing for first-time experiences might just hold the key to addressing mental health issues, particularly among South African men.
Independent Media Lifestyle reached out to behavioural psychologist Sanaam Naran to better understand why the experiences of firsts matter more than we think.
According to Naran, this "experience slump" can lead to emotional stagnation, increased stress, and even memory decline. But breaking the cycle with new experiences could spark joy, connection and emotional renewal.
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Create affordable or community-based opportunities for new experiences
Image: Yusuf Kaya/pexels
Why "firsts" matter
First-time experiences are transformative. They bring a sense of thrill and emotional depth that routine activities simply cannot replicate. "Firsts often carry a unique weight."
Heightened emotion and memory
'New experiences engage the brain in ways that deepen emotional connections.'
First-time experiences are emotional markers,' explains Naran. They light up the brain's reward and memory centres.'
Think of your first time seeing the majestic Drakensberg mountains, hearing your name pronounced in all 11 official languages or casting your first vote in a democratic South Africa. These moments become vivid, lasting memories because they are tied to personal and cultural significance.
The power of novelty
The human brain craves novelty, releasing dopamine, a chemical associated with excitement and reward, when we encounter something new. Whether it's swimming in Cape Town's chilly Atlantic waters or trying a traditional Durban bunny chow for the first time, these moments spark joy and awaken a sense of aliveness.
These moments burst with novelty, triggering dopamine surges that make us feel alive, alert and fully present. And thanks to serotonin's mood-stabilising effect, they leave behind warm, lasting memories, explains Naran.
Markers of growth and hope
For many South Africans, firsts symbolise progress. From being the first in your family to graduate from university to starting a small business, these milestones reflect resilience and reinvention.
Cultural significance
South Africans are natural storytellers and first-time experiences often become part of personal and collective mythology. Whether it's your first heartbreak at a braai or your first safari drive, these moments add richness to individual and communal identities.
Publicly celebrating men who try new things can challenge outdated notions of masculinity.
Image: SHVETS production /pexels
The science of first-time experiences
From a biological perspective, repetitive tasks are efficient but boring because they follow a well-worn mental routine. The cortex and amygdala, on the other hand, light up during first-time encounters, connecting emotion and memory.
'Dopamine says 'pay attention, this matters,'' Naran explains. 'Serotonin says, 'That felt good, let's file it under positive'.'
Together, they transform fleeting moments into treasured memories.
Psychologically, novelty ( the experience of firsts) combats what Naran terms 'cognitive autopilot.' When every day feels the same, wake, work, scroll, sleep, the brain stops noticing.
"That not only dulls joy but deepens stress and weakens memory. Introducing even small new experiences, learning a few phrases in isiZulu, and hiking Table Mountain for the first time creates fresh neural links and interrupts the slump."
The 'experience slump' and its impact on mental health
The survey also underscored a worrying trend: over half of South Africans can't remember their last first, yet almost all of us crave to experience that joy again.
Why? Naran points to burnout, fear of failure and economic pressure. 'In high-stress jobs, novelty feels like a luxury,' she says.
'But that craving for something new is really a cry for meaning, purpose and emotional renewal.'
For many South African men, cultural scripts around strength and stoicism make it even harder. 'We tell boys to tough it out, not to show weakness,' Naran tells Lifestyle.
'That shuts down creative curiosity and silences the part of us that needs growth.' When men are stuck in provider roles, novelty becomes a quiet form of rebellion: a way to say, 'I deserve to feel alive, not just productive.'
She adds, 'Despite growing awareness, many men still view seeking help or expressing vulnerability as a sign of weakness. This stigma extends to firsts that involve emotional risk, such as attending therapy or opening up about personal struggles.'
Breaking the cycle: small steps to spark change and joy
Encouraging men to seek first-time experiences doesn't mean skydiving or extreme sports. Naran recommends:
Micro-novelties Take a different route to work.
Try a new genre of music or podcast.
Cook a recipe you've never attempted.
Social firsts Join a community-run or cycling club.
Host a 'firsts' braai where everyone shares a new skill.
Attend a local art exhibit or poetry reading.
Value-driven activities: Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Start learning a language linked to your heritage.
Plan a day trip to a place you've never visited.
'These aren't grand gestures,' Naran says. 'But they break the routine, build confidence and open doors to new relationships, without labelling it as 'therapy.''
Reframe masculinity
Highlight stories of men embracing vulnerability and growth. Publicly celebrating men who try new things can challenge outdated notions of masculinity.
Create affordable or community-based opportunities for new experiences, such as men's wellness hikes, father-and-son events, or local skill-building workshops.
Normalise therapy. Position therapy as a tool for clarity, leadership, and healing. Sharing relatable stories of men benefiting from therapy can help break the stigma.
Encourage curiosity
Normalise failure, play, and exploration as essential parts of life. Trying something new should be seen as an opportunity for growth, not a risk to reputation.