How to Make a New Activity a Sustainable Part of Your Life
Embarking on a new activity can be an exciting way to break out of a stale routine, improve your health, or simply find joy in something new.
But before you dive in headfirst, here are some key points to consider so that your new activity becomes a sustainable and enjoyable part of your life.
Choose Something You’ll Enjoy
This seems pretty obvious, but many of us take up an activity because, for one reason or another, we feel we “should”.
However, the most important factor in sticking with a new activity is enjoyment. If you’re not having fun or feeling fulfilled, it’s unlikely you’ll want to continue. Before committing, consider whether the activity aligns with your own values, interests and passions. If you’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy it, that enthusiasm will carry you through the initial learning curve and any challenges you may face.
The enjoyment and likelihood of staying consistent are increased exponentially when your new activity involves participating with friends or loved ones, or making new friends.
Start Conservatively
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new hobby or exercise routine, but starting too aggressively can lead to burnout or even injury. Begin at a level that feels manageable, and gradually increase the intensity or duration as your body and mind adapt. Look at your progress from a long term perspective. By pacing yourself, you’ll be more likely to stick with the activity long-term.
For example, if you’re taking up running or training in the gym, two sessions per week is a good target, for a few reasons:
It’s regular enough to start forming a positive habit, but not so frequent that it takes over your whole life
You have lots of flexibility with timing. If a planned session no longer fits with your schedule on a given day, there are still lots of other days in the week left to get it done
You are giving your body a sufficient ‘dose’ of the activity to make progress, while also providing it with ample time to recover between sessions (it’s very normal to experience some soreness in the beginning as your body adapts to the new stressors placed on it)
Know Your Limits
Understanding your own physical and mental limits is crucial when starting something new. Pay attention to how your body responds, and don’t push beyond what feels safe or comfortable. It's okay to challenge yourself, but it's also important to recognise when you might be overdoing it. Respecting your limits will help you avoid setbacks and keep you motivated.
For example, you may have taken up running with the goal of participating in a 5km or 10km fun run in the future. If you’re starting from scratch, you don’t need to do that full distance yet! 1 or 2 kilometres might be all you can manage initially, and that’s totally fine. Respect where you are in the moment, work to a plan and set yourself realistic challenges along the way.
Incorporate, Don’t Overhaul
A new activity should enhance your lifestyle, not take it over. It’s important to integrate it in a way that complements your existing routines and responsibilities. Rather than letting it dominate your life, find a balance that allows you to enjoy the activity without feeling overwhelmed. This approach will make it easier to maintain in the long run and ensure it becomes a positive, enduring part of your life.
Starting a new activity is a great way to enrich your life. Approaching it thoughtfully, in a way that respects your current situation, routine and commitments, will make it easier for your new endeavour to become a sustainable and rewarding part of your lifestyle.
