With the start of a new year, there is the opportunity for new challenges and opportunities to immerse yourself in feel-good experiences. It doesn't have to be a new you, small wins count too. Here are some ideas of ways to improve the winter months and kick off your new year challenges.
Walk a little more
Psychologists found that a 10-minute walk in the fresh air may be just as good as a 45-minute workout when it comes to relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Walking in nature specifically has been found to boost mood and reduce our tendency to reflect on negative experiences. Spending time among trees (especially evergreens) for at least two hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve concentration and memory.
It has also been discovered that trees release chemicals called phytoncides, which have a protective antimicrobial effect on human bodies and thereby boost the immune system.
For some accessible, wheelchair-friendly routes all over the country check out The Outdoor Guide.
Try going vegan
Veganuary is a yearly challenge that encourages people to try going vegan for January and beyond. We all need to be eating less meat for environmental reasons and it's healthier to eat a plant-based diet, so why not give it a go? You can recreate the flavours and textures of meat in vegan food as there are plant-based burgers, jackfruit (similar in texture to pulled pork), vegan sausages, vegan bacon and more all readily available. Often the worry is replacing the protein, you can do this by including products such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, soya, peanut butter, cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds into your diet.
Vitamin B12, which is commonly found in meat, eggs and fish, can be found in foods such as breakfast cereal, dairy-free spread and yeast extract. Take your normal recipes and replace the ingredients with plant-based alternatives, for example, in a shepherd's pie replace the mince with green lentils. Yum!
Exercise at home
If you need a fitness challenge but prefer to stay home, there are many online classes available to take. Yoga is suitable for all abilities. It combines a series of poses with breathing, and is good for building strength, flexibility and balance. Look on YouTube for videos for beginners. There are great kids yoga classes called Cosmic Kids Yoga that adults can join in with too. Or choose a workout from the NHS Fitness Studio.
Don't dismiss household chores, which are a fab way of raising your heart rate. Some heavy gardening, washing the car or hoovering the house will all count towards daily activity.
Go somewhere new
Change the feel of January by filling it with frequent things to look forward to. Challenge yourself to visit new places, see new vistas, walk new paths, fill your year with adventures.
Dreaming of a hike in the Lakes, a walk along the coast in Cornwall, a visit to see the city walls of York, camping in the South Downs? Book a stay with YHA today and start daydreaming about your chosen destination.
Creative challenge
For one month, set yourself a creative challenge. A doodle a day, collecting bits from nature to make art, taking a photo of things you love. Instagram often has photography ideas for a month, each day setting you a task to take a photo of something blue, a snap from the garden, a favourite book for instance.
Try YHA's Nature Challenge, immerse yourself in nature, visit beautiful places and take a snap, a video, or even a timelapse. We love to see your shots that capture nature at its best around our hostel network. Share them with us and we will put them on our social media. We can't wait to see what you discover when you stay with us…
Photo credit: Stephen Davies / Jaroslav Moravcik / Anthony Brown / Adobe Stock
