Arts
How to be more spontaneous
Balancing a busy social life with other commitments can be a challenge, so it is of little wonder many of us rely on a schedule to squeeze everything in each week.
Journalist Kamin Mohammadi, author of Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way, has revealed steps everyone can take to bring more fun back into their lives
But most of us find this kind of ‘over-planning’ leaves little room for spur-of-the-moment fun.
A survey of 2,000 adults in the UK revealed 56 per cent of Britons feel they have lost all spontaneity.
Meanwhile a fifth admit they haven’t popped out for an unplanned drink with friends in five months, according to the study by Italian spirits brand Aperol.
Fortunately UK-based journalist Kamin Mohammadi, author of Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way, has revealed early steps everyone can take to bring more fun back into their lives – and it’s all down to being a little more Italian in their approach.
Here, are Kamin’s tips
Plan a meet-up an hour in advance
Just 8 per cent of the UK population describes themselves as spontaneous. Social expert Kamin advises taking a leap to change the situation.
She said: ‘Call, don’t text, a friend right now and arrange to meet in one hour’
Introduce ‘No Plan Wednesday’
Set aside one day of the week where you leave yourself open to spur-of-the moment plans.
Kamin said: ‘Deliberately leave gaps in your diary for the possibility of spontaneous evenings, and see what you fancy on the day.’
Seek out al-fresco social spots
Kamin said: ‘Enjoy an al-fresco drink in a place where conversations can be started and new friends can be made.
Be friendly and open when you go out
Having friends who are also willing to be spontaneous is crucial if you want to adopt this more relaxed lifestyle.
Kamin advises expanding your social circle by leaving yourself open to the possibility of meeting like-minded people when you’re out and about.
‘Seek out new connections, approach people in group situations and welcome newcomers, the more the merrier,’ she said. ‘Who knows where it might take you?’
Rely on strangers to guide you
It can be difficult to think outside the box when you’re not used to it, so why not pick up tips from other people? ‘Next time you see a friend, walk into the nearest café to your meeting spot and –ask the staff where you should head to next, and follow their direction to see where the night takes you.’
Rope in your friends
Kamin said: ‘Pledge allegiance to spontaneity and convince your friends to join you. As many as half of all Brits are tired of over planning but are too afraid to stop! It’s easier if you are in it together.’
Embrace the loss of control
‘Embrace the opportunity to try something new and unexpected,’ Kamin said. ‘But if you aren’t ready to completely let go, why not let your partner / flatmate / of even your mum take over your diary for a few days and enjoy the surprises.’
(C) Daily Mail, London