When was the last time you actually lost yourself in some activity? Or felt great about your new hairstyle? It is never too late; the new year is here and what better time to make a start. Here are 12 things that you must do this year.

1. Take a pot shot
Considered to be one of the most therapeutic activities, pottery is a satisfying art. With many hobby centres having sprung up in the cities, one can spare a couple of Sundays to learn this craft. What will remain with you is a fulfilling experience of having created something, which will also add to the décor of your home.

2. Shoot it
…with the lens, we meant. Take photography lessons and explore the world around you through the lens. You can choose from an array of subjects—from the curios on your shelves, to your family members; from the flowers in your garden to those memorable holidays.

3. Play on!
Take up a game or a sport—if you were into sports in school and college and the memories of those days have all but faded, start again. Even otherwise, there is no reason why you shouldn’t begin now. Join that neighbourhood sports club and get into the spirit again.

4. Green-thumbed
Start with making your immediate environment greener. Tending to plants and going through the entire experience of planting a sapling right up to watching the first bud blossom, is considered equivalent to raising a child. Apart from the usual flowering or decorative variety, growing small fruit trees or even bonsais are good options.

5. Writer’s Blog
One of the recent trends in personal activities is blogging. Not only does it give you an opportunity to pour your heart out, it also helps you brush your writing skills. If you are wondering what to write about, start off by writing a travelogue on your latest holiday.

6. Greek and Latin
Learning a new language is always a pleasure—it is perhaps the simplest way to get a glimpse into a new culture. The popular languages being French, Spanish or even Japanese; some institutes also offer courses on ancient Indian languages such as Sanskrit or Pali. Even a crash course will help you add a couple of new words to your daily vocabulary.

7. A song about it
If listening to music is one of your hobbies, why not consider singing your own song? Flex your vocal chords or learn to play an instrument. A couple of classes in learning simple music will last you a lifetime; if it works for you, formal learning can continue forever.

8. Trek’s the way..aha!
Miles to go before you sleep—a loaded backpack firmly strapped to your back can help you re-discover the wonderful countryside. You can take your friends along or go alone; ensure that you have a detailed plan, complete with maps and night-stops. A memorable journey it will be, not to mention a rejuvenating experience.

9. Watering holes
Like fish takes to water, you can take to water-sports. There is a wide variety of on-the-surface activities to choose from—kayaking, white-water rafting, motor boating and so on. For that adrenaline edge, underwater activities like snorkelling and scuba diving can help you discover the treasure trove hidden in the depths of the ocean.

10. Bring it on
Give yourself a pleasant surprise. Visit the local salon, meet the personal stylist and have a team give you a makeover. Done with caution, a trendy haircut, a spruced-up wardrobe, manicured nails and new footwear will help you look at yourself from a different perspective. And brace yourself for the compliments that will come your way!

11. The healthy way
One of the activities that most of us dilly-dally with is probably exercise. Although it can be clubbed with losing weight, exercising for fitness or increasing your stamina can go a long way in boosting your health. If the gymnasium is not your scene, yoga is an equally effective option. So go for it and get healthy!

12. Reach out
The time is never wrong for charity. If you have the resources or even the time to spare, you can work for a cause that is close to your heart. From working with special children and spending time with senior citizens to extending aid to terminally ill patients, choose what you like and get started. A few extra blessings will only make you richer.

A year is a long time and there is just so much to do. So go ahead and make a difference this year in your life and in the lives of others. Some resolutions, after all, are meant to be kept.