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The Next You

Entering a new phase in your life is an exciting time, no matter what age you are. But this transition can also comes with the inevitable question, “What’s next?”

The answer to that looks different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Discovering The Next You is a personal experience that empowers you to live your best life, but what does it mean for you? We’ve compiled some helpful tips and information below to get started.

Rack of suits hanging up. Improving yourself. What you can do to find the Next You.

Expand Your Culinary Repertoire

Busy schedules make it tempting to reach for your phone and fire up your favourite delivery app come dinner time. It’s fine to indulge every once in a while, but cooking for yourself can be as fast as that 30-minute delivery order—not to mention provide essential mental and physical health benefits.

Cooking for yourself is an act of self-care that requires concentration, and taking your eye off the stove to reply to after-hours work emails or text messages can spell disaster. Use meal-prep time as an opportunity to disconnect, be mindful and enjoy the process. Mastering a new recipe, or learning how to use your latest kitchen gadget, will strengthen your confidence and boost self-esteem, and cooking for others is an altruistic act that can strengthen bonds. Kitchen time is also inherently introspective; all of your sense are involved, and smell in particular can trigger happy memories, promoting a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.

Try it: Choose a recipe that incorporates ingredients you’ve never used, or invest in a set of high-quality kitchenware.

Privacy and personalization

We live in a connected society where it’s easy to reach someone at any time, day or night. It’s important to have meaningful connections in your life, but it’s equally imperative to set aside some “you time.”

Taking time to unplug and recharge mentally and physically will help you foster more positive connections with the people in your lives, be it your co-workers, friends or partner, according to Psychology Today.

To encourage making time for yourself, ensure that your home is somewhere you enjoy being. Take care in selecting paint colours and décor that reflects your individual style and personality and makes your home feel like it’s truly yours.

Try It: Designate a night each week just for you—no social commitments, work or cellphone access—to disconnect.

Recreation

Living your best life means striking a balance between pursuing fulfilling professional endeavours, maintaining positive relationships and developing personal interests. Incorporating time for hobbies and new activities into your daily routine will keep your body and mind healthy, and you may just surprise yourself by discovering an unexpected interest.

Endless articles have been written about the importance of physical activity, but mental exertion is equally necessary. Did you know that some of the most influential people in the world—think Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet and Bill Gates—spend five hours each week participating in deliberate learning? Mental exertion, such as learning a new skill, provides stimulation that strengthens important cognitive processes like attention and memory.

Try it: Take an art class to get in touch with your creative side, or pick up an instrument you’ve always wanted to play.

Style

It’s hard not to raid the sale racks at fast-fashion stores when it’s time for a wardrobe revamp, but this isn’t an economically or environmentally sustainable consumer habit. According to The Green Hub, 80 billion pieces of clothing are consumed annually, and we often only wear garments a handful of times before discarding them.

Creating a wardrobe that reflects your personal style doesn’t have to break the bank, but it’s worth it to invest in key pieces (like outerwear or shoes) that are well-made and will last well beyond a few wears. Consignment stores can also be a great way to snag quality designer pieces at a fraction of their original cost.

Try It: Donate clothes you don’t wear anymore to a local shelter or recycling program, or invest in a staple piece you’ve had your eye on.

Tell us how you’ll discover The Next You!

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