The One New Year’s Resolution That Tops Them All.

It’s more than just a “visit the gym more” or “eat fewer carbs” type of resolution.

It both encompasses all potential New Year’s resolutions and also goes beyond. This year, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Once a week, or even just once a month, try something different. Need a little help with ideas? Here are 30 ways you can to get out of your comfort zone. Some are simple, others are more complex, but they’re all totally worth it.

• Compliment a stranger.
• Take a different route to class or home.
• Order something different at your favorite restaurant.
• Talk to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken with in a while.
• Finally try stargazing.
• Volunteer at the Lee County Humane Society.
• Try a food you used to dislike as a kid.
• Don’t work out? Go for a jog, or visit The Rec!
• Already work out? Try a new routine or a different route.
• Eat somewhere new.
• Try journaling regularly.
• Read a book or listen to a different music genre.
• Clean, and get rid of some of your clutter.
• Learn how to cook your favorite food from scratch.
• Technologically disconnect for a day.
• Perform something at an Open Mic Night.
• Challenge yourself when signing up for classes.
• Meditate.
• Join an intramural team.
•   Learn how to swing dance with the AU Swing Dance Association.
• Go camping at Chewacla.
• Ask out that special person.
•   Take the Polar Bear Plunge
• Pull an all-nighter (on a night when it will not be detrimental the next day!)
• Go vegetarian or vegan for a month.
• Try to get past your (possible) fear of roller coasters.
• Cut out social media for a month.
• Start learning another language.
• Take a road trip!
• Train for a marathon.

Whether it’s a simple action, or signing up for a long-term commitment, find a way to do something different, strange or unusual this year! It’ll help you discover new interests, meet new people, and grow as a person. So make the best New Year’s resolution you can, and get out of your comfort zone.

As always,

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Cat. S.