3 Reasons to Try Something New in 2022

At Falcons Landing, you can try something new each day—whether you want to try out a different fitness routine and take up a new activity like hiking, swimming, cycling or water volleyball, we’ve got a group for you. Likewise, if you’ve wanted to try a new artistic outlet such as painting or knitting, we’ve got you covered. In fact, Falcons Landing offers a wide variety of recreation, classes, concerts, art classes, afternoon teas, happy hours, trips, and movie nights to choose from. If you don’t see it on our schedule, just ask!

It's easy to get comfortable following the same daily routines, but discovering new interests and activities offers a number of benefits. Here are three good reasons to try something new in 2022!

1. Build your brain.

Research now shows that experiencing something new helps us age better — and may even generate new brain cells and neural pathways. Learn a skill such as woodcarving or a new game like bridge or simply try something you know but in a different way, such as using your nondominant hand to open doors, to build new pathways.

Consider doing brain games or puzzles. If you don’t like crosswords, try word searches or sudoku.

Get techy and learn a new social media platform — especially if it’s one you can share with the grandkids. But don’t rely on tech to fill your need for community, which leads us to our second good reason to try something new.

2. Deepen friendships.

Remember when you went on that high school trip, and you still laugh at the memories with one of your life-long friends? Trying something new often builds and deepens friendships.

Especially when we, as a society, are facing a loneliness epidemic, don’t neglect your need for community. The implications of isolation are not only emotional, but physical. Research has shown that “the heightened risk of mortality from loneliness equals that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being an alcoholic and exceeds the health risks associated with obesity.”

When you develop a new hobby or try a new activity, you may find like-minded folks who you’ll get to know as you go on a long bike ride or take a class together. The key is to step outside of your comfort zone. Ask questions. Reach out. Many people like to be invited, but few actually invite. Be an inviter!

3. Establish better habits.

While 44 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, very few follow through for 365 days. Developing new habits can be hard, even though we all have good intentions to eat better, be more fit and sleep better.

How do you create better habits? The key is setting your intention, creating reminders, and building off smaller changes. Be sure to bundle the activity with something positive — and creative!

What does this look like? Say you want to put more movement in your day. You might find a walking group and put it on your schedule. You might buy new swimming gear and keep it in a bag near the door so it’s easy to grab and go. You might determine that every time you go to the gym, you’ll listen to a favorite podcast.

New activities provide new opportunities. Make the most of 2022: We’re here to support you with new plans, programs, and activities!