5 Things to Consider Trying in the New Year
If 2020 taught us anything, it was to embrace the moment and not wait to try new things. In just a matter of days, our lives were turned upside down. Borders shut down. Cities closed. Millions of Americans lost their jobs. A pandemic had swept through, and many of us were left sitting in our homes wondering if and when things would get back to normal.
We’re still navigating the ramifications of 2020. But with the new year, we welcome a new normal. And with a new normal, why not welcome more new things. Instead of waiting for someday to try something new, try something new today.
5 Things to Try This Year
It’s never too late to try something new. Consider incorporating new activities and experiences into your life.
Journaling
Journaling is the perfect solitude activity to express your thoughts without judgment. It’s also a great place to write down goals, track progress, and explore creative ideas. Get yourself a fancy spiral notebook or official leather-bound journal and start writing. If you’re experiencing writer’s block, use a journaling prompt. You can find tons of online writing prompts or purchase a book of writing prompts at your local bookstore.
Online Courses
If you love learning, signup for an online course. Thanks to the internet, there are many remote and online learning options covering any topic you can imagine. You can learn a practical skill, a new language, or take a refreshment course on literature or history. If you’re unsure what you want to learn, you can browse course catalogs online for free lessons from institutions such as Harvard and Georgetown University.
If you take a few classes and find you’re enjoying new subjects, don’t be afraid to enroll in a community college to earn a certificate or degree. Learning is for everyone, and you don’t have to be a traditional-aged college student to enjoy an education.
Cooking with Loved Ones
Food brings people together, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal with loved ones. If you’re looking for a way to spend more time with your friends or family this year, consider inviting them to your home to cook. You can cook up a family recipe, try to recreate a meal from your favorite restaurant, or try an entirely new dish.
Not only can cooking help bring you closer to your loved ones, but it’s also a great way to make sure you’re eating healthy, nutritional meals. Instead of using premade or packaged ingredients, incorporate fresh produce and lean meats into your meals. Doing so will not only taste good; it’ll help you feel good too!
A Morning Routine
Something as simple as a morning routine can significantly improve your day. To have a successful routine, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by promising to do at least one thing every morning as soon as you wake up. It can be something as simple as making a cup of coffee or reading for 15 minutes before getting out of bed. Once the task feels natural, add something else to your routine. Remember to keep it simple. Your routine should be something you enjoy.
Building a routine can take weeks, months, or even years. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re having a hard time sticking to a routine. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay if you don’t follow your routine every day. The purpose of a routine is to add stability and control to your life. If one day you wake up and you want to alter your routine or skip it entirely, that’s okay.
A New Hobby
Having a hobby gives you something to work at and look forward to. Hobbies are also a great way to expand your social circle. Connecting will others allows you to learn from experts in the field. You can find a club or group for almost any hobby. If you find a new hobby you enjoy and want to connect with like-minded individuals, start by contacting your local community center or church and ask if they host any gatherings for your hobby. You can also look for online groups via Facebook.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you need assistance signing up for an online class or finding a new hobby, the compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels Manassas can help. Not only will our caregivers help you try something new this year, but they’ll also assist with daily tasks such as laundry and meal preparation. Our Manassas office serves those in Prince William and Western Fairfax counties, including Fort Belvoir and Lorton. If you’d like to learn more about our services, please give us a call at 703.530.8811.