healthier than eating out. Learning what goes into your dishes can also help you make healthier food choices in the long term, and of course, you can impress your love by throwing down in the kitchen.
9. Knock Your Own Socks Off.
Pick a physical activity and go above and beyond your normal level. If you’re a runner, go to a new distance you never thought you’d finish. If you’re a yogi, nail that headstand you’ve been working towards. If you’re a walker, try a challenging hike with huge hills and all. You’ll give yourself the best gift: a boost of self-confidence!
10. Flex Your Heart Muscle.
You can spread a little love by mentoring, feeding the less fortunate, or hanging out with the seniors. You might not work up a sweat, but you’ll certainly bring some joy to others and yourself in the process.
11. Get Some Quality “Me” Time.
While it can be good for your mental health to be around those who you love, don’t forget to spend some time with yourself! A few hours or a whole weekend to yourself can help you decompress and prepare you to be your best self at work and home.
12. Embrace Your Inner Dare Devil.
While all “dare-devils” are not created equal, the idea here is to conquer your fears, no matter how big or small. Facing your fears can make you stronger from the inside out. So go skydiving, sing that song at karaoke, or do anything that makes your heart race!
13. Get Handsy.
Unleash your crafty side with painting, pottery, gardening, or anything you can think of. Arts and crafts are excellent for your mental health, and can improve your creativity in every part of your life.
14. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To.
Planning a trip, signing up for a race, or scheduling a reunion with your old friends can give you some much-needed motivation to make it through stressful days. You’ll have more reasons to smile.
Sharita Jennings is a health policy attorney and certified group fitness instructor and nutrition specialist. She leads fitness classes in Washington, DC and provides online coaching and tips on her site, GetFitLikeThat.com.