If you’re settled in a routine, it can be difficult to branch out of your comfort zone. Maybe you just don’t have time or don’t feel confident trying something new when you don’t have much experience in it. However, it’s important for your physical and mental health to be proactive; to try new things and learn something new. If you want to explore more that life has to offer but aren’t sure where to start, check out our guide on ten new things to try.
Become a Leader
Take control of something. Whether that’s being stricter with your children or taking a more authoritative role at work - leadership is a great skill to have. It can gain you a promotion at work as well as respect in many aspects of your life. Taking the lead at after-school clubs such as the ACF is a great way of practising these skills.
Travel
Whether it’s visiting a city close-by, a rural village or somewhere on the opposite side of the world, open your horizons and go and explore the beautiful Earth we live on. If you’re struggling for time, be a tourist in your own city instead. Go and delve into the attractions that are on your doorstep - and take your camera!
Join a Community Event
Keep a look out for any local events that are being hosted by your community, and attend one. You may be surprised how much is going on, whether it’s a community awareness event or something fun for the kids. Meet like-minded people who care about their local area, and you might even make friends! Read more about the importance of fostering community spirit in the ACF.
Meat-Free Mondays
Veganism is becoming more and more popular in the UK. If you aren’t prepared to give up meat for the long-term, why not go meat-free one day a week? Every Monday, in fact? There are loads of vegetarian recipes available, and most restaurants offer vegetarian alternatives. Have a go for a month and be proud that you’ve tried something new. You might even stick to it!
Spend Time Outside Every Day
Now, we know in the middle of a thunderstorm, being outside may be the last thing you want to do. But if you struggle to venture outside other than walking to the car, start to build a relationship with nature and commit to spending a chunk of your day outside. Whether that’s a morning jog or doing burpees in the back garden, being at one with nature can be particularly stimulating for the mind. If you're feeling motivated you could always try one of the best walks in the UK.
Try a New Sport
We aren’t talking about football or swimming. We’re talking weird and wonderful – think paddle boarding, karate or even cheese rolling! Doing something you’ve never tried may be more exhilarating than activities you’ve had a go at before. If you want to learn a new skill, who knows, maybe you’ll be the next champion of underwater hockey… You won’t know if you don’t try.
Learn to Code
In this digital world, having the skills to code can be very beneficial. Without coding, you wouldn’t be reading this post! Learning to code can be learnt via online courses or you can attend lessons in many cities. Having this qualification can put you above the rest career wise and knowing how to code will make you seem pretty cool to your peers and children.
Cycle to Work
Or, cycle to the train station. Hey, what about trying something new and buying a scooter? Whatever your commute is, try and make it more active. Not only should you become fitter, but you may save money too, and time! You may also find a suppressed love for jogging or cycling and find out that you are actually good at it.
Volunteer
Give back and become a volunteer. Whether it’s working at your local charity shop every Saturday morning or help refugees learn English - the opportunities are limitless. And you may really find that you are good at helping other people, which is a brilliant skill to have. Learn more about becoming an adult volunteer at the ACF.
Adventurous Training
Maybe you want to be qualified in something a little bit different. At the Army Cadet Force, we offer adventurous training that can range from mountain biking to kayaking, to abseiling. We make sure there are plenty of opportunities to learn a new skill and try something that may be out of your comfort zone. If you become an Adult Volunteer at the ACF, you can develop these skills and work on qualifications that can even help you in your career.
Learn more about the benefits of volunteering at the ACF and how you can make a difference to many cadet’s lives, as well as learning new things.
