We all make New Year’s resolutions with the best intentions to be a better person; more active, healthier, consume less alcohol and the list goes on!

Instead, why not write down a new hobby you’re going to take up and enjoy yourself? Have happiness as your New Year’s Resolution and treat yourself.

Pottery

According to the Health & Fitness Revolution, ‘pottery enables for improvements in flow and spontaneity, provides an outlet for grief, and helps you with self-identification and self-expression, bolstering confidence and self-esteem.’ If that doesn’t convince you then I don’t know what will! You could either get set up at home with clay and a kiln – browse craft shops for supplies – but this could become quite costly so it might be best to find a local pottery group and join in with them to check you really enjoy it first!

Horse Riding

You may have read about Audrey, the 83-year-old who took up horse riding again after deciding listening to Radio 4 just wasn’t going to make the cut anymore. Audrey told The Telegraph: “I can die falling off a horse or in front of daytime television, and I know which way I’d rather go.” So what are you waiting for? Make sure you’re wearing all the correct equipment including a safety hat and a back protector. To find a local riding centre visit The British Horse Society.

Park Runs

There’s no denying that Park Runs also involve actual running but it’s more fun than actual running because you’re in a park with people who are struggling to get motivated just as much as you are. They’re all about helping non-runners to boost their fitness, overall health and make new friends. If the cynic in you is still thinking ‘but running is never fun’, well you’re 100% right but at least you can struggle with some like-minded people. To find your closest park run, use the map on the very helpful Park Run website.

Wine Tasting

For the sophisticated wine lovers out there why not enhance your palette and discover the intricate world of wine tasting? Wine tasting will help you understand the true meaning of a ‘good wine’ and once you’ve got this under wraps you’ll never buy a bad bottle again – what a relief! You’ll also meet some great people and have enormous fun and learn phrases such as, “I’m sensing some complex chewy tannins and a hint of velvety chocolate.” For ideas of where to go, The Week have put together a list of the best to help you out.

Article By Jessica Foreman