Try something new

It doesn’t have to be new year in order to try something new, but it’s a great excuse to get motivated.

The new year is a time full of optimism and hope, where change seems possible and newness is embraced. You don’t necessarily have to wait until a specific point in the year to make changes and try something you’ve always wanted to, but there is a certain excitement to this time of year that makes it easier to begin afresh. There’s nothing wrong with liking your life as it is, but if you never try something different, you never have any opportunity to expand the space for enjoyment in your life and create new chances, right?

It’s a challenge certainly, but moving outside of your comfort zone can enable you to reconsider habits and break out of potentially negative routines, as well as appreciate yourself and build courage and confidence. Don’t go into a new pursuit expecting to be a natural genius at it – it takes time to perfect something – but do go in with an open mind and a willingness and capacity for learning. Who knows, you may even have fun.

Dancing

Dancing is more than just a dalliance on the dance floor – it’s a physical workout and a mental boost. Getting active increases the heart rate, improving the condition of your heart and lungs and boosting aerobic fitness. Embedding routines in the memory can aid mental function and also results in better coordination, while the social side builds self-confidence and self-esteem. Boost your skills as well as your cool points by trying swing dancing. As Sibhe Lynch of Swing Patrol says, ‘Swing dancing lessons tick so many boxes for overall wellbeing – including people’s levels of style, energy and fun. They’re active, but so enjoyable they don’t feel like physical exercise, and they replace gym memberships for many people.’