The human body and the human mind are capable of incredible things. With enough practice and preparation, anything is possible. More often than not, it is our own self- limiting beliefs that hold us back, rather than the actual capabilities of our mind and body.

So sometimes it helps to “shock” the system by trying something new. By proving to ourselves that we CAN do that thing that we thought we’d never be able to.

For this reason, trying new things is a great way to boost confidence and self-esteem. It’s like that often-repeated saying goes:

If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.

Break out of your comfort zone and try something new today. You become better by continually challenging yourself to grow, learn and do more. Ready? Let’s go!

Activities for the Adventurer

Pack up a basket or bag and go on a picnic

Take a hike (literally)

Plan a day trip to a local landmark

Take a road trip with no end destination in mind

Visit a National Park

Go camping

Start a garden

Head to your local farmer’s market and support local business

Watch the sun rise

Watch the sun set

Go star-gazing (bonus points if you bring a constellation map or app)

Fitness & Health Activities

Dance it out! Take a Zumba class, or some other dance class

Embrace your inner ballerina and try a Barre class

Get “long and strong” – take a Pilates class

Take a spin class

Go biking outdoors (rent one or use bike-sharing, if you don’t have one of your own)

Push yourself to the limit – take an Orange Theory class or 9Round Kickboxing class

Lift some weights (it’s a proven confidence booster with a host of other benefits!)

Try aerial yoga or aerial silks

Go indoor rock-climbing

Do a handstand or headstand

Meditate

Go for a swim

Try surfing

Go kayaking

Go stand-up paddleboarding

Go for a run

Go for a walk in the park

Sign up for a race

Jump rope (not as easy as when you used to do it on the playground)

Speaking of… go to a local playground and re-connect with your inner kid!

Activities for Animal Lovers

Ride a horse

Puppy-sit your friend’s dog

Sign up to be a dog-walker on an app like Wag!

Foster a dog (or cat!)

Go to your local shelter and adopt a pet (warning: this one’s a big commitment!)

Volunteer at your local animal shelter

Adopt an animal through WWF’s Symbolic Species Adoptions

Artsy Activities

Paint a picture

Paint your own pottery

Take a photography class

Draw or sketch from a photograph

Write a short story

Write a poem

Start writing your autobiography

Write a blog post (or, start a blog!)

Make a list of all the things you are thankful for

Start a journal

Color in a coloring book

Activities for “Going Back to School”

Look up the course directory at your local community college – see anything that interests you? Sign up!

Go to your local library and check out a book

Read a fiction book (here are 100 books everyone should read “before they die”)

Read a non-fiction book

Join a book club

Is there an activity or hobby you used to enjoy? Take a lesson!

Start learning a new language. (Here are 10 of the best language-learning apps)

Flex your ambidextrous muscles – brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand.

Research “feng shui” and apply it to one room of your home

Research “hygge” and apply it to one room of your home

Activities that Feed Your Body & Soul

Try out a new restaurant

Look up a new recipe and get to cooking!

Host a dinner party! Inviting friends over feeds the body and the soul

Make a cake for absolutely no reason at all

Send a thank you note, or a “just because” note to someone you haven’t talked with in a while

Take a bath

Get a massage

Get a facial (good skincare is a worthwhile investment, people!)

Give yourself a mani-pedi

Dye your hair a new color (or use temporary colors to go pink or blue for the day

Compliment 5 people today

Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line

If you normally drink coffee, drink tea for a day. (If you normally drink tea, drink coffee!)

Be the first person to say hello

Donate clothes and items you no longer use to charity

Volunteer your time somewhere that needs it

Turn off your phone for one hour

Don’t complain for a full day

Don’t say “sorry” for a full day

Book a plane trip to a place you’ve never been

So…what do you think? Which one of these things will you try today? Share in the comments!

And here’s a great quote to send you off on your way:

“Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. And most importantly, be kind to others, even if you don’t like them.” – Stacy London