by Caitlin H,
Jan 23, 2023
The new year is often when we think about hitting the reset button on some (or several!) aspects of our lives. We consider our intentions, set goals, and start doing what we can to achieve them.
This year, consider the following: How often do you set a goal to do something extraordinary that will give you a sense of true exhilaration?
Doing something outside your comfort zone allows you to engage with new people and enjoy a unique experience. It creates a window to opportunities and life events you likely never expected. It also can initiate positive changes and add a new sense of satisfaction to your life.
We rounded up seven ideas for stepping outside your comfort zone — things that will undoubtedly bring about the unexpected in the best way possible.
1) Pump up your workouts by signing up for a fitness class.
Starting an exercise regimen may seem daunting, particularly if you’ve never done it. Signing up for a fitness class is a straightforward way to commit to something regularly. Instructors guide your every move, so you don’t have to figure things out alone. The set schedule ensures you’ll stay engaged. And best of all, you’ll likely meet a few new people and make new friends.
2) Elevate your world on the water.
If you’ve never tried water sports, there’s no time like the present! There are so many options for getting out on the water this year. You can try something more low-key, like kayaking or a water aerobics class — or go all out by signing up for a surfing lesson, going whitewater rafting, taking diving lessons, or renting jet skis. Whichever option you choose, you’ll likely experience the world from a new vantage point, meet some new people and maybe even find a new hobby.
3) Pump up your adrenaline by skydiving.
Skydiving is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is truly one of the most thrilling, exciting outside-your-comfort-zone activities you’ll ever experience. There’s nothing comparable to the feeling of freefalling through the sky at rapid speed and seeing the stunning views that follow after the parachute opens. Beginners will go in tandem with a professional instructor, so all you have to do is enjoy the thrill.
4) Stay up all night on a stargazing adventure.
If you’re more the kind of person who’d rather look up at the sky than fall through it, then stargazing might be just the thing. A successful stargazing trip means committing to a whole night out in nature, whether from the hood of your car along a quiet road or next to a tent and campfire deep in the woods. Be sure to choose a clear night and bring along a pair of binoculars or a telescope. You can even download apps that will tell you the names of stars, planets and constellations!
5) Take some you-time with a relaxing spa day.
If you’ve never been to a spa day, you’re missing some serious relaxation time. Spa days can be pricey, but they are also worth it. Full-day packages often include a massage, a facial, manicures and pedicures, quiet time in a hot tub, and more. They’re an excellent way to reward yourself for achieving a goal or just taking a well-deserved timeout from life.
6) Get out on a weekday evening by going to a concert or show.
Concerts don’t just have to be for the weekends. Take a day off work and head out to a show on an unexpected day of the week. See a completely new-to-you musician. Laugh it up at a comedy or improv show. Sit back and marvel at a circus act. Take in a musical or play. There’s something for everyone in show business!
7) Try out trivia or karaoke night at your neighborhood haunt.
Grabbing a drink with friends at a local bar is an all-too-familiar outing. And while that can be fun, why not take it to the next level by going on karaoke or trivia night? Letting loose by singing your heart out to your favorite tune or sharing your knowledge during a trivia competition will lead to lots of laughs and potentially a few new friends.
Whether you try something adrenaline-pumping or that simply takes you beyond where you’ve been in the past, stepping outside your comfort zone this year will likely lead you down new, unexpected roads and add an element of excitement to your life. You can get even more ideas here.
————————————————————————————
Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager
Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.
