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While preparing this blog article, I have realised that throughout my studies there have been all sorts of activities that I have engaged with, that have really pushed me outside my comfort zone. Summed up into four different activities, here are some ideas to help push you outside your comfort zone! Try out a new side hustle/hobby: While I went all in trying to find my secret baking skills, developing side-hustles can be a super fun way of discovering or developing your passions and can even lead to some extra income! There are many different things you can do to start your side-hustle, which really depend on your interests and time commitments. Start by developing your skills in your chosen hobby and passion and see what services you can provide to someone with those skills. Aced English and love creative writing? Why not try being an English tutor? Want to spend more time with animals? Try being a pet-sitter or dog-walker. Know all the TikTok dance moves? Teach others. Whatever your passion or skills, invest in yourself by taking the time to do the things you enjoy and if people want to get in on that, turn it into a business venture. Side-hustles are the passion projects you create!  Find a new and enjoyable exercise: The world of health and fitness is changing so rapidly and there are so many ways that as students we can stay fit and healthy. Not matter what you are into, or what intensity you are looking for, there will be something for you! One way to get into fitness is trying out a new sport. It is a great way to get fit and also meet people. There are so many options available through clubs and in the community, from running clubs, tennis, soccer and more! For me, I found dance to be a great way to stay fit. I have been doing Brazilian Samba for the last year and a half. It has really helped to build my confidence, stamina and I even learnt some cool new moves, while making lots of friends from different backgrounds and culture! Or if you are a gym junkie, sign-up for a class or two or opt-in for personal training sessions. This is a wonderful way to meet new people and focus on your fitness goals.  As a student, some of these classes and gym memberships can be quite expensive, but there are many free classes on offer, if you know where to look. Check out Facebook events and community notice boards for an entire range of different fitness classes for free and lots of cost-effective fitness options. Whatever option you pick, make sure you choose something you enjoy. Keeping active and remember that staying fit does take work and commitment but it should be fun! Travel around your city:  This is the easiest and the most fun way to push yourself out of your comfort zone! Live like a tourist for the day by exploring your city with new eyes. We often take for granted the usual routines of our lives and forget to consider our cities as dream travel destinations. Consider the tourist hot spots in town and recreate the iconic tourist photos that you have seen so often. Stand beside that statue, climb that hill, or visit that iconic restaurant. Plan out your day and set yourself an itinerary where you are going to visit that day and when. You might even discover or re-discover some hidden gems and some super cool locations! On a budget? There will be loads of free or low budget activities to check out as well. Head online and do some research! See what events are on in your local region or what nature parks and reserves you can visit. Last but not least…   Volunteer!  Volunteering is truly as awesome way to develop your skills and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and contribute to something meaningful, sharing your skills, talents, and time with someone else. Volunteering is also an exciting way for you to try out diverse range of work, interact with different community organisations and learn from skilled experts. Throughout my studies, I have had the chance to work alongside some amazing organisations, through which I have been able to develop my hobbies and skills and have learnt to manage my time and commitments better. Volunteering not only teaches you skills on the job but also soft skills (like patience, leadership, and empathy) that are useful in any work-place environment. The first step is always the hardest but the most important. Even if you do not feel confident going out and doing one of these activities straight away, you can take a little step forward by doing your research and learning more about the opportunities and organisations in your area. And remember, you do not have to do this on your own! Reach out to your friends and try something new together. One little action can lead to a whole new adventure! - Eleanor Almeida, Nxtstep Content Writer