Everyday is an opportunity for a new beginning.

Pressing restart may be overwhelming, especially considering our daily responsibilities, but you can set out to accomplish all of your goals this year with a bit of inspiration.

Here are 10 simple ways you can start on that today:

1. Read a book

Picking up a book can bring you all sorts of wonder. You can enter into a world of the unknown, indulge yourself into a fantasy or even acquire wisdom from a character’s own journey.

2. Reflect

Some people reflect through meditation. Others while taking a shower, laying around in bed or looking up towards the sky during a picnic. By reflecting back upon your life, you will be able to spark the memories that inspired you as a child. Relive those moments.

3. Play with an animal

If you have pets, great! Go for a walk, take them to the park or buy them a fun new toy. Play with them until your heart is content.

If you don’t have a pet, or your building doesn’t allow you to have pets, there is nothing to worry about. You can always play with a friend’s animal or take a quick trip to a pet adoption center. Just ten minutes with a friendly animal can spark a new sense of happiness and joy.

4. Watch a TED talk

TED talks started in 1984, but didn’t become popular among the general public until the last decade. More than 2,100 TED videos have been watched more than a billion times.

Why are people watching these TED talks?

Because the ideas in these videos are actually “worth spreading.” They make you think outside of the box, consider common occurrences and spark inspiration.

5. Write a bucket list

A bucket list is a list of the things you want to try or accomplish in your lifetime. Take some time out to write down where you want to go, what you want to see and what you want to achieve in your life.

By writing it on paper, you may be able to start envisioning your future’s path.

6. Draw

Even if you aren’t an artist, a great way to get the creative juices flowing is by taking out a piece of paper, or better yet, a canvas, and drawing. Drawing can spark up the creative side of your brain.

7. Dance

Not only does dancing get you the exercise that you need in a day, it also gets the mind up and running. This is another great way to spark inspiration from within.

8. Walk in nature

Leave the cell phone behind and go for a walk in nature. The beautiful trees, the crisp fresh air and even the fuzzy animals will allow you to find clarity.

9. Pay it forward

Waiting in line for your Starbucks coffee? Do something nice, and buy the person behind you a coffee. Who knows? You may spark a chain reaction of kindness.

10. Help others

When you decide to help others, they open up and share their problems with you. This creates an instant bond. Plus, if you are a natural problem solver, then this can inspire you to find ways to help many other people as well.

These are just a handful of ways to get the inspiration you need for the  year. If you have any other ideas that have worked for you, feel free to comment on our social media and let us know.

Looking for other helpful tips to reduce anxiety? Check in with your primary care doctor to get a complete breakdown on ways to reduce stress.

To see the wide range of services offered at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, click here.

By Leonard Kim