Challenge yourself to try something new in 2022
Experts tell PRUDENCE WADE why now is the perfect time for us to broaden our horizons
Variety is the spice of life
“Novelty and variety are important to motivation and energy levels, as well as overall wellbeing. For many, these have been lacking over the past two years. That’s why we need to make time for them in the new year,” advises Stuart Duff, psychologist and senior partner at Pearn Kandola (pearnkandola.com).
It doesn’t have to be huge like quitting your job – a new hobby could breathe life into your daily routine.
It could brighten up a gloomy January
January is a notoriously difficult month to stay positive and motivated, mainly because it is the mid-point of winter and signals the end of any festivities we may have been enjoying”, says Stuart, so trying something new could be a bright spot in a dark month, and focusing on it could be the distraction you need.
“Invest 30 minutes every day in doing something new for yourself and your mindset. Imagine an advent calendar for January and behind every date is a new and interesting experience,” recommends Stuart, adding: “The important thing is that whatever you do gives you a breather from the everyday working routines.”
A new year equals a fresh start
Jim Rees – emotional intelligence coach and author of Vicious Cycle (theeiguru.com) – says new year is the perfect time for effective goal setting. This is “vital so you don’t drift through life”, he explains. “Setting short, medium or longer-term goals can help you navigate your way through the year and beyond with a sense of purpose. Your brain will be highly focused on the goals set, giving a greater chance of achieving them.”
It could positively impact your mental health
“Trying something new can be a great boost to your mental health,” says
Aaron Surtees, psychologist and founder of subconsciously.com.
“A lot of the time, apprehension, fear or discouragement can prevent someone from taking their first steps to trying something new.
“Their subconscious mind knows change or trying something different can have a positive effect, so listening to your inner voice encourage you to take action is important for progress. You can even take it one step at a time to build up your confidence if you feel unsure or scared.” Aaron suggests there could be many positive outcomes from trying something new: “Including getting to know yourself better, creating happy memories, feelings of freedom and generating positive emotions and reducing any negative ones.” Breaking out of your normal routine also “stimulating your brain by enhancing creativity and releasing feel-good hormones,” he says.
You could grow as a person
Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic (thechelseapsychologyclinic.com), is a proponent for trying something new, calling it a chance to grow.
She says: “Not only do we expand our minds, but often learn something new about our likes, dislikes, skills and talents. If we stay stuck, we’ll never discover our potential. There are all kinds of activities that might stimulate and excite us – the only way to discover them is by giving them a go.”
Jim suggests it’s important to occasionally step out of your comfort zone. Only then do we have, “the ability to feel, see, and recognise opportunities which can help us on the path to self-improvement,” he says. “In addition, trying something new helps us break the monotony of routine and change our biorhythm – jolting and stimulating us intellectually, emotionally, and physically for optimum results.”