After staying home so much, Americans are itching to try new things.  And most of us already have in the last year-and-a-half.

80% of Americans say they’ve tried something new since the pandemic started.  That includes 67% who’ve tried a new food or drink, and 64% who’ve expanded their taste in movies, music, or TV shows.

Here are six benefits of trying new things, according to the poll:

1.  It can make you feel better in general.  78% of people say it’s true.

2.  It boosts happiness.  60% say trying new things makes them happy.

3.  It can make you more creative.  53% say branching out helps with creativity.

4.  It gives you energy.  52% of us feel more energetic after trying something new.

5.  It raises your self-esteem.  51% say they feel more content with themselves after doing something they’ve never done before.

6.  It can help you find something you love.  63% of people have ended up loving something that they avoided for years.