January is often when we make (and break) New Year’s Resolutions. But instead of making a specific goal that you may not be able to stick to, you could try making your resolution ‘to try something new’.

Science has shown that learning new things is good for us – both mentally and physically. Our brains change throughout our lives. When we learn, new connections are made between neurons (the brain cells), and the more we do something, the more automatic it becomes. Repeated stimulation of these brain cells leads to a better and stronger connection between them.

Practice makes progress
It can be likened to wearing down grass to make a path – the more you walk over it, the clearer the path becomes. Also, as you continue to learn more, the amount of effort and attention required decreases, so it’s less about ‘practice makes perfect’, and more about ‘practice makes progress’.

There are many new things you could explore, like taking a short course at a local college or online, travelling more, doing some volunteering. Alternatively, you could do puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku, try a different sport, or engage in music or languages. Any of these things are good for improving problem-solving, memory, creativity and lateral thinking.

Be engaged and take an active approach to the new skill. An active mind promotes an active body, and the reverse is also true. This improves spatial awareness and co-ordination, which can also help to keep mental deterioration, such as Alzheimer’s disease, at bay for longer.

Set goals and targets to reach your potential
You may like trying new things on your own, or you may prefer being with others. Being part of a group or joining a class means you can meet people with similar interests and make social connections as well as neural connections.

Trying new things, you may discover something you really enjoy, or a new talent! This is great for personal and professional development, and, as you’ll want to learn more about the subject, you can start setting goals and targets in order to reach your potential. This is also advantageous if you are planning to get a new job this coming year, and your self-esteem will increase as you develop a new appreciation of yourself and life.

Beat those January blues
If your confidence is a bit low, take little steps towards stepping out of your comfort zone. Be brave and seize opportunities – it’s good for beating those January blues.

Studies suggest that learning increases the levels of dopamine in our brains, which is the body’s natural feel-good hormone. Plus, if you do something you enjoy, it increases motivation and the reward of pleasure we feel reinforces the good effects, so we will want to continue what we are doing. In addition, learning a new skill can have a ripple effect in other areas of your life, so you may find you improve in another existing skill.

So maybe for the next four weeks, make this your mantra – new year, new beginnings!