2021 is well underway and many people have big expectations for the new year. Normally, New Year’s resolutions revolve around self-improvement and enhancing our own abilities; so, this year, challenge yourself to learn a new skill, explore a new pastime, or ingest some knowledge that will expand your mind and your understanding of the world. Here are some great suggestions for yourself, your home, and your business endeavours.
Learn a New Language
Unsurprisingly, learning a new language is something that many people say they aspire to. Traveling to a new country or experiencing different cultures at home is enjoyable, and learning a new language really helps to take it to the next level. When you become proficient in a foreign language, you have countless opportunities open up for you, like expanding your career or enjoying different films or novels.
If learning a new language sounds interesting to you, luckily there are more ways than ever to get started. Aside from multiple websites that are specifically centered around learning a language, you’ll also find many support groups online in places like Reddit or Facebook. Apps are also becoming a popular method, with options like Duolingo free to use and returning great results.
Try Your Hand at Table Games
As we get older, it becomes more and more important to test ourselves by learning new skills.
For anyone interested in a truly brain-expanding challenge, look no further than the mentally stimulating game of blackjack. There are many different variants which make blackjack so popular, but they all revolve around quick math skills and probabilities. While some people may turn to simpler games when they want a fun activity to enjoy, blackjack has proven mental benefits. These include expanding your memory, and building your mental processing powers.
Enhance Your Cooking
Cooking is one of those crucial life skills that you should never stop building. Admittedly with the constraints of everyday life many people neglect this skill over time, but rest assured, with a little effort it can be an immensely rewarding skill and hobby. It’s also a great way to become more health focused as you can accurately measure your calories and cut out fatty oils. Learning new recipes and cooking methods is the first step. You can then explore your tastes and discover that you enjoy a lot more things than you originally thought.
Designing Websites
With programs like Wordpress and alternatives like Wix, it’s now easier than ever to make your own website. This is great if you want to pick up blogging as a hobby, have a website for your business, or even create your own portfolio. As a photographer, or a journalist, having your own online portfolio that exists outside of social media is an essential part of looking professional. Building websites can be just a fun activity to enjoy in your spare time, or even a full fledged side business.
Get in Touch With Your Artistic Side
There is nothing more gratifying than enjoying your artistic side and learning a new skill as a hobby. We all have some artistic capabilities, so don’t be afraid to try something new or come back to an old skill. Maybe you have a passion for music and would benefit from learning the piano or guitar. Or perhaps painting and drawing is more your style. There are also great activities like crocheting and knitting that are not only a great way to relax after a hard day, but also provide you with some excellent winter wear to enjoy after you finish a project.
Public Speaking
Public speaking is often cited as a valuable yet overlooked skill for business. To most people, the idea of it is terrifying but if you can overcome your fears and challenge yourself to master the art of public speaking, you may find some new avenues open for you.
Stress Management
Stress has more of an effect on health than most people realize. If you are constantly plagued by stress, it can be detrimental to you both physically and mentally in the long run. Learning some stress management techniques can be one of the most important things you master this year. Common methods include deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and many more. Find something that works for you and practice it to conquer stress in your life.