As we head into the third calendar year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s understandable to feel stuck, frustrated, or hopeless. But in the spirit of a new year, we wanted to share some tips for how to make the most out of 2022 by starting with yourself.

Here are five ways you can make 2022 the best one yet:

1. Set Goals

Say it aloud or write it down! At AMIGOS, part of our training is identifying and setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) goals for your program experience, but you can do the same for 2022. Think about what you want to achieve this year and be intentional about reaching your goal.

People who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones than people who have fewer experiences. –Rich Walker

2. Do Something New

The pandemic has made our social lives feel smaller. Doing something different, even if it’s just trying a brand new food or visiting a park you’ve never seen, can benefit your brain and make you feel refreshed. With AMIGOS, you’ll be seeing new places, meeting new people, trying new food, and even speaking a new language!

3. Serve Others

It’s totally normal to feel down sometimes. Helping others can brighten both your day and theirs! Find a cause you care about and get involved. AMIGOS has programs that focus on many different themes, like environmental conservation, sea turtle protection, indigenous rights, and more!

4. Take Time Out

Be kind to your mind! Taking a break when you need it gives you the energy to keep doing the things you love and be the best version of yourself. At AMIGOS, we build in time for reflection each day to enable volunteers to process what they’ve experienced and discuss what they’ve learned. Doing this regularly will bring self-awareness and perspective.

You have to go into experiences that will be uncomfortable. That loss of comfort might allow something far more compelling to come into your life. –Peter Fenton

5. Get Uncomfortable

You have to push your comfort zone in order to grow. Venture capitalist and AMIGOS alum Peter Fenton spoke with our President & CEO Sara Nathan about how AMIGOS impacted him when he was younger. One of his main takeaways was how important it is to get out of your daily routine, meet new people, and open yourself to new experiences. You won’t regret it!

Here’s to making 2022 the best year yet!