The New Year has already taken hold and seems to be rushing at breakneck speed. Thankfully it seems to be a quiet beginning to our new year. Do you have plans for 2022? Hoping to travel somewhere new or exotic? Maybe visit relatives you haven’t seen in years? Or, like most of us, are you planning to stick around town and keep it simple? Colorado offers a great many activities and sites to see, that’s for sure, but we also have great communities into which we can get involved. Then again, maybe your focus is more on projects and hobbies. Perhaps 2022 will be more focused on self-improvement or building back relationships. Well, if you’re looking for some ideas of what to do this year, check out this list of great ideas.

 

Join A Local Group

 

Do you have some specific interests that always seem to draw your eye or catch your ear when out and about? Look into local groups that focus on that subject. Here are some local fun options:

  • Sip & Paint: There are many studios that host an evening painting with friends & drinks. Some individuals host events in their homes or private studios as well. What’s even better about this: you’re supporting local artists!
  • Reading Groups & Book Clubs: Check with your local library or used book stores to see if they know of any reading groups or book clubs in town. You can also check on Facebook or MeetUp if they don’t know of any. Then again, you can always start your own! And the great thing is these groups can meet digitally!
  • Building & Hobby Groups: Joining a hobby institution like the Tinkermill in Longmont can open up your opportunities with projects and hobbies. You’ll also meet new, interesting people with a myriad of interests and multitude of experiences.

 

Take Up A New Hobby

 

… Or pick up an old one that you love! With Colorado’s amazing geography, spanning metropolitan areas, and vast open spaces there are so many possibilities to take up. Try some of these fun hobbies that locals love:

  • Hiking or Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rock Hunting
  • Cycling
  • Skydiving
  • Watersports: Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP-boarding, etc.
  • Fishing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Painting
  • Crafting or Building
  • Top Golf or Golfing

 

And so many more! 

 

Support Local Businesses

 

The past two years have been hard on local businesses and restaurants. They’ve been hit with staffing issues, supply shortages, increased costs, and increased demand. A lot of local shops have had to close due to these struggles. We can help with that this year! Choose to support your local businesses whenever you can. Instead of going straight to Amazon for that gift, hit up some of the local shops one afternoon and find something similar, or better! Instead of eating at a chain restaurant, try a new local spot that offers a different cuisine. When you’re out and about, remember to be patient, kind, and grateful.

 

Unplug!

 

Addiction to screens has become an almost accepted thing in our society now, especially with the pandemic forcing us home. Here’s a friendly reminder of some of the other things you could be doing instead of staring at Instagram, TikTok, or the latest season of… well, there have been so many great shows!

  • Read

    That’s right! Pick up a book and let your eyes rest from the constant borage of screen-light. Stimulate your imagination centers in your brain and fall into a great story. Read a comic book/novel or a fantastic epic. Or perhaps you’re more into reality and history? Either way, flip some pages and let your mind fire up! 
  • Exercise

    I know, it sounds like a loathsome word – but even 10 minutes of simple exercises can make a huge difference. Even if you’re just getting outside for a walk around the block!  
  • Meditate

    Even if you don’t know how to meditate, or what to do, or if you’re supposed to think or not – the point is to sit and be still. Turn off the TV and the computer and your phone, sit, and be. That’s really all it is. If you’re thinking, let your thoughts go! If you’re not thinking, sit there in peace. You may be startled by the difference it makes! 
  • Converse

    That’s right! Connect with someone. Go out with a friend, call your bestie, or chill on your front porch with your neighbor. Getting out of your head and into the moment can be extremely relieving, gratifying, and relaxing! So hit up somebody for a “to-do” and get those words flowing.

 

What do you have planned for 2022? Any big changes you’re looking to achieve or habits you wish to instill? Comment below and let us know what great things you’re up to in our community!