This extensive guide tackles the common hurdle of starting new activities, offering expert advice and actionable tips for a wide range of pursuits including fitness, personal growth, relationships, and financial management.
This article, part of the 'How to start' series, addresses the universal challenge of beginning new habits or activities by offering expert advice across a diverse range of topics. Each section provides insights into 'why' to start, 'three tips to get started,' and 'next steps' for continued progress. For **personal growth and wellness**, learn to cultivate a **reading routine** to boost empathy and reduce stress by finding enjoyable books, starting with shorter works, and making it a social activity. Explore **lucid dreaming** by keeping a dream journal and cultivating the intention to become aware during sleep. Master **meditation** for reduced anxiety and improved health through consistent, short sessions focused on observing thoughts and breath. Establish a foundational **skincare routine** with gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and consistent broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen application. In **fitness and health**, embark on **running** by alternating short run-walk periods, maintaining a conversational pace, and investing in properly fitted running shoes. Build strength with **weightlifting**, beginning with bodyweight exercises, utilizing gym machines for proper form, and tracking progress with lighter weights before advancing. Perfect your **push-up** technique by maintaining a correct plank position, a 45-degree elbow angle, and a straight line from head to heels. For **life skills and relationships**, start **cooking** at home for healthier, more affordable meals by acquiring basic tools and pantry staples, learning essential knife skills, and trying recipes that teach core techniques. Effectively **train your dog** by allowing acclimation time, focusing on essential commands like 'sit' and 'come,' and keeping sessions short and functional. Navigate the world of **dating** by first establishing your own values, utilizing dating apps, creating thoughtful profiles with good photos, engaging in short chats, and opting for casual first dates. Improve social connections by learning how to **start conversations with strangers** through asking questions, embracing small talk, and recognizing cues for when to gracefully exit. For **financial and environmental responsibility**, begin **budgeting** to reduce stress and understand your spending by tracking every penny for 30-90 days, identifying common financial challenges, and prioritizing the payoff of high-interest debt. Reduce your **carbon footprint** by remembering the 'three Rs' (reduce, reuse, recycle), incorporating more plant-based foods, and cutting energy waste, while also recognizing the critical impact of using your voice and vote for environmental policies. Finally, for **mental health**, consider **therapy** as an effective way to address a range of concerns by finding an accredited professional, understanding payment options, and conducting initial consultations to ensure a good fit.
