“Anti-paparazzi Scarves”: 82 Interesting Photos That Might Teach You Something New Today (New Pics)

If you're scrolling through this listicle of interesting facts, it's probably because you're curious and enjoy learning something new. And that means there's a good chance you're happier than the person who couldn't give a toss about how the world works.

Experts say that curiosity is linked to higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being. And that the curious kids at school are often the ones who get the better marks. 

"Studies reveal that curiosity leads to more enjoyment and participation in school and higher academic achievement, as well as greater learning, engagement, and performance at work," notes the Greater Good Magazine. "It may seem like common sense, but when we are more curious about and interested in what we are doing, it’s easier to get involved, put effort in, and do well."

A 2014 study found that curiosity is somewhat addictive because the brain releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals when we learn something new.

Curiosity is also proven to boost your long-term memory. The more curious you are, the more likely you are to pay attention to and remember new information. And get this: you can even use curiosity to encourage your brain to grow.

As the iClinic Virtual Hospital site explains, "the hippocampus, a part of the brain important for learning and memory, can be stimulated by curiosity to produce new brain cells." Basically, being curious can lead to the growth of new neural connections in the brain. This ultimately enhances our ability to learn and remember information.

Were it not for curiosity, we might never be able to enjoy some of the world's greatest inventions. Someone, somewhere once asked "what if?"/"how?"/"why?" and in searching for the answers, they developed or discovered something new.

The best part is that curiosity and learning don't always have to be a serious business. How many new things did you learn by just casually scrolling through this list today? In doing so, you not only beat some boredom, and possibly destressed a little, but also gave your brain a gentle workout.

Other ways to strengthen you curiosity and increase your knowledge include reading about a topic you know little about, talking to people you don't normally hang out with, listening to an interesting podcast, watching an informative documentary, visiting a museum, trying a new hobby, asking more questions, and seeking the answer whenever anything makes you wonder.

Above all, always be open to learning something new.

"Curiosity thrives in an environment of optimism," says Glenn Llopis, a Forbes reporter and an expert on leadership strategy. "If you assume there’s nothing new to gain, your mind will stop looking for it. But when you expect to discover something captivating or valuable, you train yourself to recognize opportunities that might otherwise slip by unnoticed."

Llopis suggests starting each day with intent by asking yourself, “What can I learn or discover today?” He explains that this simple daily habit primes your mind for exploration and conditions you to see opportunities in everything.