By Camille Johnson

bereaver.com

Many people have spent the bulk of the last two years cooped up at home. For some, this may have led to a lack of confidence or a fear of reentering the world. If you’re worried about getting back out there and reaching your goals, it may be time for a few changes to help you feel like yourself once more. Here, Peak Physique discusses six areas to switch up for the boost you need to start interacting with the outside world again.

1. Start Exercising

Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you frequently find yourself vegging out on the couch binging your favorite TV show, signing up for personal training or group fitness classes can be the perfect antidote. 

Exercise has a range of benefits far beyond weight loss. It can improve your self-esteem and your mood, making it more likely you’ll feel ready to go out again and spend time with friends, family members, and strangers alike.

2. Clean Up Your Eating

Good nutrition is an essential part of overall well-being. Eating processed, low-nutrient food not only makes you feel sluggish but can also decrease your motivation to set and meet goals. If you are used to living on pre-made meals, try cooking your own food a few nights per week. This saves money and allows you to add fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Don’t feel like you have to completely change how you eat in order to live a better life. Small changes here and there make a big difference and can give you confidence in other areas of your life.

3. Get Your Finances in Order

If you have financial goals that you’d like to meet, it is essential you take the time to get things in order. Saving money requires that you know what money you actually have. Once you’ve figured out where you are financially, you’re ready to change up your saving strategy for better results.

One of the best ways to save money is refinancing your home. Now is a great time to do so since interest rates are low. When you refinance, you can lower your monthly mortgage payments to free up cash. Reducing the equity in your home allows you to put that money toward other necessary purchases. 

4. Take a Class

Learning is a life-long process, and it shouldn’t end just because you’re an adult. If you’re feeling stuck in your ways, taking a class is a great way to break things up and provide new experiences and knowledge. Maybe you’re interested in photography but never bit the bullet and signed up for instruction. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to try yoga. Sign up at a local studio, and give it a go!

5. Make a Career Change

After the past year, many people are changing careers. They’ve found they either want to work at home all the time or need a job where they can get out of their pajamas and see other people. It is a good time to think about making a change, and a career move may be exactly what you need as you reemerge from at-home life.

If you need to bolster your education, online degree programs are typically more affordable and flexible than learning in person. By earning your master’s in a field like information technology, education, or nursing, you’ll be able to dramatically improve your earning potential. 

After avoiding social interaction for an extended period, it makes sense that you’d be a little worried about getting back out there. For a boost in confidence, try a few of these ideas to venture out of your comfort zone and feel the change a new perspective brings.