Never too late to start something new. Photos: Deposit Photos
The holidays are upon us, and although it means our lives become more hectic with upcoming gatherings, it also means we may have a little more time off from work or other scheduled activities. It also means we can take a breather and think about ourselves. What better way to feel energized rather than overwhelmed than to pick up a new skill?
Whether you want to enhance your physical health, upgrade your tech smarts, or expand your creative side, these doable skills are small steps that can make a big impact —perfect for wrapping up the year on a positive note.
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Here are 10 motivating, easy-to-start skills to learn before the year ends:
1. Learn a New Cooking Technique
From mastering sheet-pan dinners to learning knife skills or trying global flavors, improving your kitchen confidence is both fun and practical. Bonus: cooking at home supports healthier aging and better nutrition.
Pull out that air fryer you bought and try more recipes like Spinach and Feta Phyllo Cups and Salsa Chicken from Robin Fields’ I Love My Air Fryer Easy Recipes Book.
Or follow along with famed French chef Jacques Pépin and learn how to bone an entire chicken for a delicious (and impressive) boned and stuffed chicken.
More Ideas:
Try a new method like poaching: How to Poach Chicken
Give sous vide a try.
Learn bread basics—no-knead, artisan loaves, or sour dough
Explore spices by learning how to toast and bloom them to extract the essential flavor compounds in the spice: How to Bloom Spices
2. Try a Short Online Fitness Class
You don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul—commit to learning one new fitness skill: Pilates basics, resistance band training, stretching, or balance exercises. These low-impact options fit easily into any schedule and support mobility and strength.
Ideas
Try a 10-minute joint mobility or balance session
Follow a stretching guide to reduce stiffness
3. Learn a Better Way to Manage and Share Digital Photos
If your phone is overflowing with images, you’re not alone. Learning simple digital photo organization—albums, cloud storage, and backup habits—can bring surprising peace of mind.
Ideas
Create themed albums using Google Photos:
How to Organize Photos in Google Photos: Complete Guide
Organize your images with Apple Photos:
Organize and find your photos on your Mac – Apple Support
4. Explore a New Language (Even 10 Minutes a Day!)
You don’t need fluency to enjoy the benefits. A few minutes a day on Spanish, Italian, or French improves brain health and makes future travel even more enjoyable.
Ideas
Learn with a language app such as Duolingo: Duolingo – The world’s most popular way to learn
Read the book: Fluent Forever (Revised Edition): How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It
5. Learn a Relaxation Technique
Deep breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce holiday stress. These are simple practices you can master in a week and use anytime, anywhere.
Ideas
Try a 4-7-8 breathing routine before bed 4-7-8 Breathing Method For Sleep and Relaxation
Start a simple meditation with free UCLA audio tracks:
Guided Meditations – UCLA Mindful | UCLA Health
Practice box breathing or progressive muscle relaxation:
Benefits of Progressive Muscle Relaxation
6. Take a Beginner’s AI or Tech Class
Whether it’s learning how to use ChatGPT, improving cybersecurity habits, or understanding your smartphone’s hidden features, a small tech upgrade can save time, reduce frustration, and expand your digital confidence.
Ideas
Learn ChatGPT basics
Learn to recognize phishing scams
7. Learn a Creative Skill: Drawing, Painting, or Photography
Creativity boosts mental wellness and cognitive resilience. Try a free tutorial or a short online workshop—no experience needed.
Ideas
Grab an adult Learn to Draw Book
Learn watercolor basics: Learn to Watercolor: 20 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Lessons on Watercolor Paper – Includes Watercolor Pad with Sketches – No Drawing Required! (Watercolor This Book)
Explore beginner photography tips via National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Great Photography
8. Sharpen Your Financial Skills
Learn how to set up digital budgeting tools, track subscriptions, or organize key documents. A few hours invested now can create smoother financial habits for the new year.
Ideas
Track your spending with easy tool Track your spending with this easy tool | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Track and cancel unused subscriptions
Improve your Medicare know-how
9. Learn a Mindful Walking Routine
Walking becomes even more powerful when you integrate mindful techniques—paying attention to breath, posture, and your environment. It’s an easy way to elevate your daily exercise.
Ideas
Learn the importance of walking from Walking for Health – Harvard Health
Use Headspace walking meditation
Get walking tips from Mayo Clinic: Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health – Mayo Clinic
10. Start a Journaling Habit
Even a 5-minute daily journal boosts clarity and emotional wellbeing. Try prompts like: “What energizes me?” or “What’s one thing I’m proud of today?”
Ideas:
Explore journaling prompts
Try a one-sentence-a-day journaling method
Use a digital journaling app
How to Make Your New Skill Stick
- Start tiny—5 to 10 minutes a day
- Track your progress in a planner or app
- Celebrate weekly wins
- Pair the skill with something enjoyable (coffee, music, morning sunshine)
Starting a new skill now isn’t about big resolutions—it’s about momentum. Choose one skill or try a few. Every bit of learning adds joy, energy, and confidence as you head into the new year.
And, most importantly, have fun and pat yourself on the back for trying something new!
