Beginning a new habit, hobby, or practice is often the most daunting step. Questions about equipment, technique, and progress can paralyse even the most enthusiastic beginner. To demystify the process, we've compiled essential, expert-backed advice on how to start fifteen common but challenging pursuits, from fitness and finance to personal development.
Building Mind and Body: From Reading to Weightlifting
For those looking to cultivate a reading habit, the benefits are substantial. Studies indicate that reading fiction can boost empathy, reduce stress, and help maintain cognitive function in later life. Experts advise starting by exploring a variety of books from your local library without pressure to finish each one. Begin with shorter books and choose the format—physical, ebook, or audiobook—that you enjoy most. Making it social by joining a book club can also help cement the routine.
In the realm of fitness, beginning to run requires minimal kit—just a decent pair of shoes. The key is to start gently by alternating running with walking, maintaining a conversational pace, and avoiding the urge to push too far too fast. Similarly, for weightlifting, foundations can be built with bodyweight exercises like squats and planks. When using gym machines, start with lighter weights; a good benchmark is a weight where you could manage two or three more reps after completing a set of ten. Dr Andrew Jagim of the Mayo Clinic Health System recommends 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to support muscle growth.
Personal Wellbeing and Social Skills
Therapy can be a powerful tool for addressing mental health concerns or simply feeling stuck. The first step is finding an accredited therapist, which can be done via online searches or personal recommendations. Navigating insurance or payment options is a crucial early hurdle. Most therapists offer a brief initial consultation, and it's perfectly normal to try several before finding the right fit.
Meditation, with its proven benefits for anxiety, depression, and gut health, requires nothing but a few minutes and a timer. Consistency with short, daily sessions is more valuable than occasional long ones. For those wanting to connect more, starting conversations with strangers can boost happiness. The advice is simple: ask questions, embrace small talk (avoiding politics and religion), and be mindful of body language to know when to gracefully exit the chat.
Practical Life Skills: Cooking, Budgeting and Environmental Impact
Cooking at home is typically healthier and more economical than eating out. Beginners should equip themselves with a few basics: a good chef's knife, a non-stick pan, and quality core ingredients like kosher salt, olive oil, and vinegar. Online knife skills classes and foundational recipes, such as lentil soup, are excellent ways to learn core techniques.
Budgeting, often avoided for being overwhelming, can actually reduce financial stress. The first move is to track every penny spent for one to three months. This clarity allows you to tackle high-interest debt first (any above 7%) and then set specific savings goals. Automating savings into different pots for holidays or emergencies is a proven strategy for long-term success.
Considering your carbon footprint is increasingly vital, with 2024 confirmed as the hottest year on record. Darby Hoover of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) emphasises that everyone has an impact. Effective actions include prioritising the 'three Rs' (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), incorporating more plant-based meals, and cutting energy waste by unplugging devices. However, experts agree that the most consequential step is using your voice to discuss climate issues and vote for strong environmental policies.
Whether it's training your dog with essential cues like 'sit' and 'come', establishing a simple skincare routine of cleanse, moisturise, and protect with SPF, or navigating modern dating by creating a thoughtful profile and dating multiple people casually, the universal principle is to start small, be consistent, and seek expert guidance when needed. The hardest part is always the beginning, but with these foundational tips, you're already on your way.
