Do you aim to be a better person each year than the year before? The start of the year is a perfect time for new goals and aspirations. If you want to push your comfort zone and propel 2023 in a positive direction, try out these 10 activities! They’ll improve your mental capacity, mental and physical health, creativity and overall life satisfaction.

1) Learn a new language. 

It’s easier than ever to learn a new language with free applications, subscription-based websites and live online classes – all from the comfort of your own home. The benefits of learning another language are endless. It’s great exercise for the brain and opens up new opportunities for work, travel and friendships.

If you have a smartphone or computer, you can start picking up a new language today! You don’t need to spend a long time studying every day. Just 15-20 minutes of consistent practice per day can add up to a whole new language learned over 365 days! 

2) Try a new sport. 

Playing sports is fantastic exercise for the body as well as the mind. It gets your body moving and helps put down your worries for a period of time. It also allows you to meet new people and expand your social network. Frequent participation in sports can help elevate your mood, improve your sleep and help you maintain a healthy weight.

If you don’t know where to start, you can check out Facebook groups and Meetup.com to see if there are nearby sports activities you can attend. You can also sign up for sports lessons to get you in a routine of practicing the sport.  

3) Create a financial plan. 

Whether it’s making a budget you’ll stick with or saving up for a trip or a rainy day, having a financial plan gives you control over your money and a peace of mind. No matter what income you have or what life situation you’re in, you should always make a financial plan.

The start of the year is a good time to analyze your spendings from the previous year. You can look for areas where you can cut down on your spendings and decide how much of your income to allocate to spendings, savings and investments. It may also be a good time to explore new streams of income. 

4) Talk to new people.

We’ve all been taught “stranger danger” since a young age, but as an adult, talking to strangers may be the greatest way to expand your network and knowledge. Every person you know today (with the exception of your parents) were strangers at some point. Think about how each of them have impacted you and your growth. 

This year, challenge yourself by talking to new people at a party, your workplace, the gym or even on the streets. You may be surprised how much you’ll learn and some of those conversations may even lead to new friendships and relationships. 

5) Learn one new recipe each month.

Cooking is a lifelong skill and can be made fun by exploring new recipes. A quick Google search will give you more recipes than you’ll ever be able to experiment with in a lifetime! If you have a meal at your family or friend’s place and try a dish that you really enjoy, ask them to teach you how to make it! 

Make it a goal to learn one new recipe each month. By the end of the year, you’ll have at least 12 more dishes in your repertoire! 

6) Get into a habit of reading daily. 

Reading is the best way to learn from experts in all walks of life and for a relatively cheap price (or even free)! It is mental stimulation for the brain and can help reduce stress. There are many free books available online or with a library card, you’ll have access to thousands of books. If you read a paper book or use an e-reader, it will help rest your eyes and get you away from screens for a while. 

Reading a little each day will improve your knowledge in different areas and expand your mental capacity. Reading a variety of genres and authors will make you more open-minded as well.

7) Start journaling. 

Life moves at a pretty fast pace, and our headspace isn’t big enough to remember everything we’ve learned and experienced. Journaling is a great way to get things out of your head and onto paper. It can help you track your growth, strengthen your memory and be a form of therapy as you can share your deepest thoughts knowing that no one else will ever read it. 

Journaling does wonders for your mental health, so try to journal at least 5-10 minutes a day and pour out all your thoughts and worries on paper. If you’re not fond of writing, you can also record audio journals.  

8) Listen to new podcasts. 

Podcasts are marvelous resources to learn about unique topics directly from experts and they can also be a source of entertainment as well. There are podcasts on just about every topic imaginable, from self-improvement to finances to crime stories, etc. Listening to podcasts is a great way to cut down on screen time, so during your breaks, close your eyes and listen to a podcast rather than scroll through social media. 

Listening to podcasts is also something you can do while you’re doing other activities like cooking or driving. So check out new podcasts on topics you’re interested in or explore a new genre and listen to them the next time you’re taking a break or doing a mundane activity!

9) Try a creative hobby. 

Whether it’s drawing, crocheting, building LEGO or photography, do something new this year to get your brain flowing and hands moving. Not only are creative hobbies fun, but they also have a wide range of health benefits. They can improve your finger dexterity, brain functions as well as mental health. 

Youtube is a great resource to learn about different creative hobbies. You’ll have step-by-step tutorials to guide you through and you’ll feel a strong sense of accomplishment as you see your progress throughout the year!

10) Travel to a new location. 

Traveling does not have to be expensive nor far. There are likely many interesting places within a few hours of you that you have never visited. You can also take an international trip (which also doesn’t have to be expensive!) and get to know a new culture. The whole idea is to explore more locations this year. It’ll take you out of your routine, teach you adaptability skills and expand your horizons.

Make it a goal to visit at least one new country this year and various new areas near you! You can do a solo trip or bring a friend or family member with you. The more places you know, the more open-minded you’ll be and there’s no better way to push your comfort zone than to put yourself in an unknown setting. 

Do you plan to try any of these activities in 2023? What are other activities you want to do to nourish your growth this year? Share them with us in the comments below!