A close friend recently ticked off his ultimate, top-tier, bucket-list experience: the Rocky Run. A short loop along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, followed by a dash up the 72 stone steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, before coming to a triumphant stop on its famous portico – à la Rocky Balboa.
It’s important to note that he didn’t do the official race (which doesn’t actually finish on the famous steps), but bought a grey tracksuit in South Africa, packed it in his bag, and headed to New York (where he first shared a corndog with his partner on Times Square, another bucket-list experience), and then onto Philadelphia to run in the footsteps of Rocky – the world’s ultimate underdog and symbol of resilience, perseverance and redemption. (And yes, he got the best photograph at the top of the stairs!)
Over the years, studies have shown that achieving goals (including bucket-list items) triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter essential for overall mental and physical well-being. Dopamine acts on the ‘reward centre’ in our brain, and is responsible for everything from pleasure, satisfaction and motivation to memory, mood and sleep.
In fact, researchers believe that:
- Engaging in new experiences is linked to increased neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
- Travelling can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, even slowing down the ageing process.
- Planning and anticipating positive experiences, like bucket-list activities, can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
- Having a sense of purpose, which is often reinforced by pursuing bucket-list goals, is linked to better cognitive function and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
The good news is that bucket-list experiences don’t always require a long-haul flight or Lotto win. An example? I’ve always wanted to spend a morning with the meerkats. So, this July, we embarked on a road trip to Oudtshoorn. We spent a few days in the Klein Karoo, where early one morning, we braved the cold, met our guide (Devey), wandered about 200 metres into the scrub, set up our camp chairs, enjoyed our coffee and watched the sunrise as the local meerkat mob popped their heads out of their burrow. Best day ever.
These ‘micro’ bucket-list items are also important. As Brita Schumacher from Somewhere Sunny (a company focused on transformational travel and coaching) explains, ‘micro’ bucket-list experiences are the things that make you say: “That looks fun.” Or “I’d love to go there.” And “I’d love to see/do/taste that.” Because when you check them off your list, you get all the positive benefits associated with bucket-list travel, like increased neuroplasticity, a dopamine boost, and plenty of fun and excitement.
As we approach peak holiday season – a busy and stressful time in our industry – make sure you have a few ‘micro’ bucket-list experiences lined up for yourself. On my list? South Africa’s first ‘slow overnight hiking trail’ in De Mond Nature Reserve and the Christmas market at Standford’s River Gate Guest Farm.
And remember, we’re all different. Some of us want to run like Rocky, while others want to do the sloth walk in Costa Rica. Or visit one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world (including East City, Cape Town). As long as it brings you loads of joy (and dopamine).
Mindful Musings
What the world was musing over this week
South Africa named top culinary destination on the continent
Add some foodie destinations to your ‘micro’ bucket list because SA has just been named the culinary capital of Africa!
Summer schedule means more flights
to SA
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced new flight routes and additional flights to several of its airports – just in time for our summer season.
Robo-hotel rises in Texas desert
Forget room service – how about a robot-built room? El Cosmico is set to become the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, sprouting from the Texas desert like a high-tech mirage.
AI creates your future self’s chatbot
Ever fancied a heart-to-heart with your wrinklier, wiser self? MIT’s new AI whips up a chatty 60-year-old you, complete with “synthetic memories” and life advice.
Scientists race to save vanishing banana
The world’s favourite banana is on the brink of extinction, threatened by a relentless fungus. Scientists have cracked the case, but the solution might surprise you – it involves shaking up your fruit-bowl choices.
