The answer is pretty straight forward.  Are you already in pretty good shape?  Can you run 2 miles without stopping?  If not, stop those crazy thoughts right now!  Orange Theory is an excellent choice for many people, but if you are just starting out there are many other options that may be better fit.  Each workout is only an hour long!

The trainers at Orange Theory would probably disagree and try to convince you to join even if you are a beginner.  Here is their thought process: one of the core aspects of Orange Theory is that they offer heart-monitored training.  Your goal is to achieve 12-20 points in the “orange zone”, which is 84-91% of your maximum heart rate.  1 point is gained for each minute your heart rate is in the orange zone.  Everyone’s conditioning is at different levels and height and weight are taken into account, so the heart rate targets are individualized.

What are the points all about?

By acquiring 12-20 points, the benefits of EPOC (post-exercise oxygen consumption) are triggered. There are many other articles covering the science of EPOC so we won’t dive into that deeper here, but needless to say, there are some bonus calories that will be burned “for free”!  If you aren’t in shape, you can easily find yourself piling up 25-30 or more points.  You will most likely find yourself very sore, exhausted, and needing more than a day to fully recover.

The workout structure and types of exercises change every day and continue to challenge those people who fall in the intermediate to advanced range of fitness.  Orange Theory isn’t just a cardiovascular workout; you will also spend some time away from the treadmills and rowing machines on the “floor” to focus on weight training. Those points, which are called splat points by the way, become much harder to get as you get in shape, which forces you to push yourself continually.

How much does it cost?

Interestingly enough, pricing isn’t listed on the website but there are 3 packages available. There are 2 smaller packages of 4 or 8 workouts per month, for those that are looking to supplement their usual workout routine.  You can still buy additional sessions at a discounted rate if you end up going over.  They also offer an unlimited package that makes more financial sense for those who want to exercise at least 3-4 times per week.  Orange Theory isn’t cheap, but in our opinion, it’s well worth the price if you are serious about getting into shape or living a healthier lifestyle.

Is there an Orange Theory close-by?

Yes!  An Orange Theory location is less than 2 miles away from Haddon Towne Center in Cherry Hill.  You probably have already seen it as it is well positioned near much of the shopping, and just off Rt. 70.  Of course you can try it for free, but make sure are ready for the challenge.  As always, consult your doctor before starting or trying a new fitness program.

So you have decided you want a dog, what now? The first step can be the most difficult. Where do you buy a dog and how do you decide if you want to adopt, purchase, or some other method? There are advantages and disadvantages of each, it is all about personal preference and your situation.

Adopting

Adopting is the more socially aware way of getting a dog. There are millions of dogs in shelters that need rescued and rehomed. The shelters are overflowing and a dog’s window to get adopted before being euthanized is getting tighter and tighter. There is only so much space for all the dogs that need a home. Saving a dog from this environment can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. You are really giving the animal a new lease on life and there is no telling what would have happened if you had not come along. Other than the feeling of saving a dog’s life, adopting can save you tons of money. Dogs from pet stores or breeders can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while adopting at a shelter usually costs under $100. Sometimes shelter adoptions are even free with a donation encouraged. So why wouldn’t everyone just adopt?

Adopted dogs are like buying a new car, they come as is. The dog could have tough behavioral issues to crack, especially if they had an extended stay in a shelter. It is also much harder to find a specific type of dog if you are on a focused search. You have to get pretty lucky to find a desirable breed or the breed you are looking for in a shelter. Finding younger dogs and puppies can be equally as hard when searching shelters. Most of the dogs in there have come from some sort of hard situation and are usually older, so finding desirable dogs in a shelter is the only drawback to adopting.

Buying

Buying a dog is a quick and easy way to find the dog you want. You won’t spend time searching shelters or websites looking for the dog you want, you can just google a breeder or pet store and go pick one up. Almost all dogs purchased in stores or from breeders are puppies, which is one of the main reason people choose to take this route. If you want a younger dog that will be easier to train and not come with the potential behavioral issues associated with shelters, purchasing may be a good option. Buying a dog allows you to get whatever breed you want at whatever age you want. You can buy an already trained dog or look for a puppy just weeks old.

One of the main drawbacks of purchasing a dog is price. Depending on the breed, dogs can be thousands of dollars and are often more expensive the younger they get. Some dogs at pet stores are astronomically priced and it is usually a little cheaper to find a breeder. There could also be some health issues associated with breeders and pet stores that you might think you are avoiding by not using shelters. Dog’s from breeders are often pure bred which can lead to all kinds of health issues in the dog down the road. If you do get a dog that has some pre-existing medical conditions you don’t know about, you can find yourself spending even more money. It is important to be sure a dog you are about to buy is healthy and has been well taken care of while at the pet store or breeders.

There are all kinds of factors that affect where you get a dog from. It would be great if there were no such things as shelters and homeless pets, but it remains a harsh reality. Adopting and buying each have their own advantages and disadvantages and could be right for some and not others, it really just depends on personal preference and what you are looking for in a dog.

If you have ever had a new dog, especially a puppy, you know just how frustrating they can be. There are times where their cute face is the only thing that saves them from being kicked out of the house, but we love them! Training a new dog is never easy, but it is possible if you follow some of the tips below.

Choosing The Right Dog

If you already have a dog that needs training, you can scroll right by this tip. If you are still looking for a dog, this is the first training step. Deciding what dog you want to buy or adopt will play a huge role in how you train them. A dog’s breed says a lot about easy they are to train. Hunting dogs, like Beagles, are very hard to train as you have to break through their natural instincts. Different breeds can be very stubborn, while others will do pretty much anything you say. It is important that you consider how patient you are and how much time you will have to work with your new dog when deciding on a breed. You don’t want to get a dog that is hard to train if you are pressed for time and just looking for something to be there when you get home.

Naming

Classic dog names or any other short name are the best for training your dog. It is easier for a dog to learn and understand their name if it is a short, compact name. Teaching a dog his/her name is crucial when training them so you can call their name and they come or you get their attention. It is the most basic training element, but it can be difficult if you choose a name that is a little out there.

Use Food In Moderation

You will quickly find that most dogs are smart enough to realize that if there is a treat at the end of a task, they will have no problem doing it. Having a dog sit when you have a treat in your hand does not mean they are actually trained, it is just a different method of dinner time for them. You should first start by giving treats for doing desired tasks, but try to wean them off the treats much like you would do with a child. Start by only giving a treat on special occasions when they follow a command and slowly work to not using treats at all. If you just give them a treat after each time they listen to you, they will quickly learn not to do it if they don’t see or smell you with a treat. And of course, too many treats could mean unwanted puppy weight! Find a treat your dog likes (anything), start using it every time they listen to a command, and slowly wean them off for the most effective dog training.

Be Consistent

As with many things in life, consistency is key in dog training. It is important that everyone who will be training the dog uses the same commands. Best case scenario would be having only one person train your dog, but clearly this is impossible in family settings. Make sure that you all use the same commands and reward methods to be sure you are not confusing the dog. It is also important to try to teach your dog the same things as other people are and not overload them. Like people, they can only handle so much information at one time, so don’t give them too much.

Having a dog is a rewarding experience, most of the time. It is important to not get too frustrated with your dog and not give up on their training. There are very few dogs that training will never work on, so don’t quit!

Are you tired of having heavy eyes and struggling to stay awake throughout the day? Once you get in a schedule of not sleeping enough it can be easy to stay in it, especially if coffee is involved. The fact is that it is not healthy to be tired all day long and prolonged tiredness can really start to affect you. Below are a few easy changes you can make to your day to day life that will help you to have more energy.

Change Your Diet

You get most of your energy from food, so the way you eat can really change how you feel. Loading up on carbs or other heavy foods can literally weigh you down. This probably goes against what you are accustomed to hearing, that carbs give you energy. Carbs give you a burst of energy to a point, however too many have a very opposite effect. Lighter carb meals like muffins for breakfast or vegetables and fruit for lunch are a much better alternative than heavy burgers or a similar meal. Coffee may be a temporary fix, but there is no denying how well it works. If you are already a coffee drinker, you likely consume a cup or more in the morning. Spacing out your coffee drinking throughout the day will give you more energy. There are tons of other caffeine sources that work just as well like lattes or frozen drinks. Water has also been found to give people more energy, so if you are looking for a healthy alternative to caffeine that is a good way to go. Changing your diet is the most simple way to stay awake longer without making a big change to your life.

No Naps

A nap may always seem like a good idea and it is hard to be convinced otherwise. Afterall, what is better than coming home from a long day and crashing on the couch for an hour? Some studies have shown that naps actually make you more tired, especially if they are short. “Power naps” may give you a quick burst of energy but make you tired in the long run. They also take away from the sleep that you get later that night. When you feel like taking a nap you should instead go for a walk or do a chore around the house that gets you on your feet. You won’t be sitting there thinking about how tired you are and struggling to stay awake. Of course, there is always a good time and place for a nap and we would never suggest giving them up for good.

Change Sleeping Habits

Needless to say, getting more and better rest is a great way to feel more rested. The quantity and quality of sleep you get the night before can really affect your day. Make sure you are trying to get close to the recommended amount of sleep each night for a person of your age. It also helps to have a sleep schedule so you go to bed and wake up at similar time every night. You can put your body on a sleep cycle that it will get accustomed to and adjust to. You may not realize it, but there are all kinds of things you are likely doing that are hurting the quality of sleep you are getting. Any light in your room can hurt the sleep you get, especially big screens like a TV or computer. You should try to limit the amount of noise and light that comes into your room when you are sleeping. Another thing you can try doing is writing down all the things on your mind before getting in bed. This can help to ease your mind and allow you to be more relaxed when you lay down, promoting better sleep. Sleeping the proper amount and making some slight changes to the way you sleep are great ways to be more rested throughout the day.

There is nothing worse than struggling to stay awake at your desk and nothing more dangerous than making commutes when you are having a hard time keeping your eyes open. Making some easy changes to your diet and sleeping habits can have a ton of positive effects on your daily life, so give it a try!

Now that the weather is nice it’s a great time to get back out there and see some of the great things New Jersey has to offer. New Jersey is home to a bunch of great breweries, more than we could fit into one list. The ones below are a few of the favorites that you definitely make a priority to check out this summer!

Flying Fish

One of the biggest name breweries in New Jersey, Flying Fish Brewing Co. is located in Somerdale. It is actually the biggest craft brewery in the state of New Jersey. There are both video and guided tours of the brewery available for those who wish to see how the beer is made. There is a tasting room with a bar that is a great way to get a night out started that has 15 beers on tap. Tours of the brewery are free, however you pay for beers or beer samples as you go. Flying Fish is famous for their Daylight Savings IPA, Farmhouse Summer Ale, Hopfish IPA, among others. Flying Fish Brewing Co. is a must this summer for anyone interested in beer, or even if you’re not. To see their hours and learn more about their tours visit their website here https://www.flyingfish.com/.

River Horse

Opening in 1996, River Horse is one of New Jersey’s oldest craft breweries. Located in nearby Ewing, River Horse is home to some unique and delicious beers. Although River Horse isn’t that widely popular, the bottles and cans are very recognizable due to the Hippo logo. Every River Horse product features a crazy, attention drawing Hippo on it that certainly makes it stand out. Some of their most famous beers are the conveniently named Hippotizing IPA, River Horse IPA, Roly Poly Pils, and the now season Summer Blonde. Tours of River Horse are only available on Saturday and Sunday, unless made by appointment. The tours cost $5 for a walking tour and $6 for the virtual tour, where you have access to all the great beers that River Horse offers. For more information on River Horse Brewery and their tours visit their website here http://www.riverhorse.com/.

Spellbound

Spellbound is a small brewery located in nearby Mount Holly, New Jersey. They are most well known for their Spellbound IPA, Spellbound Porter, and their unique Peach IPA. The brewery features a large taproom with rotating beers on tap. They often feature their harder to find beers on tap in their taproom, so it is a great chance to try out some new beers. The tasting room and brewery are only open to the public select hours on Thursday-Sunday, so make sure you check before trying to get a tour. Check their website for hours and upcoming special events http://www.spellboundbrewing.com/.

Third State Brewing

Creatively named to recognize the history of New Jersey, Third State Brewing is located in one of Jersey’s most historic towns, Burlington. However, the brewery just recently opened in 2015. Third State has a ton of different beers on tap as well as some that rotate in. They brew beers like Boris the Younger, 352 hIgh-PA (named after their address on High Street), Jersey Town Brown, and their famous Sooo Big double IPA. Like Spellbound, Third State is only open weekends, so make sure you check their site before going. It is only a short walk from some public transportation, so keep that in mind if you want go. Learn more about Third State Brewing and their beers here http://www.thirdstatebrewing.com/.

The breweries above really are only the start to the brewery scene in New Jersey. Breweries are a great way for anyone over 21 to spend a day with friends or family. To see a full list of New Jersey breweries see here https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/sweet-16-nj-best-craft-breweries/. Now it is time to get out there and get to tasting!

The surrounding Mount Holly area is one of the most historic parts of the region. The town is very small, with right around 10,000 residents, but makes up for it with it’s rich history. There is so much history in Mount Holly it is easy to walk right by and not even realize what you are looking at. Below are the main historic attractions in Mount Holly, NJ.

Mount Holly was first Colonial History and European settlements

It is marked as the first settlement of Europeans in America formed in 1677 by acquiring land from the Native Americans. A dam was constructed on Rancocas Creek generating power for saw and grist mill. A hand dug mill was constructed by Edward Gaskill and his son in second decade of 1700 attracting many settlers with 250 dwellings. There are no mills today but the mill land is still conserved as Mill Dam Park.

Legacy Battle of Iron Works Hill is reenacted annually

It is also commonly known as Battle of Mount Holy and took place during American War of Independence which lasted from December 22–23 1776, resulting in tactical victory of Britain and strategic victory of Americans. It was fought between 600 American militants and 2000 Hessian and English troops. The hill was then occupied by US commander Samuel Griffin, now located at Iron Works Park and the legacy is reenacted here every year – an amazing thing to experience.

First Presbyterian Church was a Renaissances’ congregational space

Traces of Renaissance are still alive in Mount Holly and are reflected through First Presbyterian Church. It was a congregational space for the locals founded in 1839 but congregation occurred 70 years ago from the official founding. It was expanded in 1845 including office, classroom and gymnasium spaces.

Burlington County Prison was a rehab and is now haunted

It was a prison operated from 1811 through 1965 and was designed to provide rehabilitation psychological well-being to prisoners by renowned architect Robert Mills. It was known as one of the oldest operational prisons of US in 1965. It has been now converted into a museum operated by Prison Museum Association – an NPO. This prison has a legend – they say that it is haunted by a tall male dressed in a uniform and the third floor has reported paranormal activities. Exciting – Isn’t it?

If you’re like most people, it’s about that time of year again—the time of year when you admit you haven’t really kept up with your new year’s resolutions as much as you’d liked to have. If one of your goals was to start working out more or to stick with a routine that at times fought for space in your busy schedule, then there’s still hope. In can be frustrating to feel like you’re falling behind because you just haven’t found the time to dedicate to it, but there’s no need to accept defeat and put it off for another year. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can work around your busy schedule to achieve your goal of being more active!

First, say goodbye to the “there’s always tomorrow” excuses. If your schedule doesn’t allow for much personal down time (that is, time not spent with family, social obligations, eating, or sleeping), then you probably feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to focus on you. The truth is, you’ll probably always be fighting for more time in the day: the key isn’t to find the time, it’s to make the time. Whether that involves making small sacrifices throughout the week or rearranging your daily schedule as much as work or family allows, being flexible and working around your other obligations is key.

Now that that’s out of the way, start by setting an attainable daily, weekly, and monthly goal. It’s a good idea to write these goals down so that you can better hold yourself accountable and to keep track of your progress and results. Try starting small with a goal that can always be changed or improved upon. Remember to keep these goals specific, yet simple and do-able. Instead of setting a goal like “lose three pounds by next month,” try aiming for “25 reps of [name of exercise] two days a week.” This will help to keep your mind on the task at hand and allow you to stick to the habits that will lead to real results—rather than focusing too much on a seemingly unattainable goal far off in the future.

It sounds obvious, but try to make your routine an integral part of your schedule as much as possible. There are several ways you can do this, but the easiest way is to set aside the same time each day to do your workout. Consistently choosing the same part of your day to work out will make it easier for your actions to turn into habits. It’s important to not stray from this time too much—the closer you stay to your set time to work out, the less likely you’ll be to forget or abandon it altogether.

Working out doesn’t have to be boring! Keep yourself motivated to stick with your workout routine by keeping things interesting. You can do this by varying the type of workouts you do from week to week and trying new things every once in a while. There are tons of videos on YouTube made by fitness trainers and enthusiasts who have come up with some pretty creative ways to get a decent workout in! Use these to your advantage and try something you’ve never done before. There’s usually more than one way to do most exercises, so why not give ’em a go and abandon the overdone jumping jacks and planks?

If possible, find a partner that can join you on your fitness journey. Bringing a friend along with you on your walks or as a workout buddy from exercise to exercise can help lift your mood and give you the push you need to keep going. Plus, they can motivate you when you’re feeling down and just be there for moral support. Fitness friends are a great way to stay on track, and they can even give you some insight on your progress along the way. Make it a goal to improve together, even if your own personal fitness goals aren’t exactly the same.

It’s easy to get down on yourself from time to time, but don’t sweat it! If you still find yourself struggling to stick with a routine, start a motivation journal that logs your goals, thoughts, motivations, and setbacks. Missed a day? Don’t let it discourage you or take away from all the progress you’ve already made. Just get back up and keep going the next day. Don’t be afraid to give yourself credit where it’s due along the way, and give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work you’ve done.

It’s one of those things we all celebrate but we don’t quite know why. Around the world, there are festivals, parades with elaborate costumes and dancing, special cuisine, and some of us just like a good excuse to wear a whole lot of green! But who exactly was Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate in his honor?

Also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick (or more fondly as St. Patty’s Day), the day is actually celebrated on the death date of Saint Patrick. As it turns out, Saint Patrick’s Day is observed not only in commemoration of the saint, but for the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well as the Irish culture as a whole. The holiday is observed by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran Churches, as well as the Anglican Communion. And though the day is not recognized in the U.S. as a federal holiday, it is celebrated by people from all over who want to get in touch with their Irish heritage.

Who was Saint Patrick?

Contrary to popular belief, Saint Patrick was not in fact Irish and identified with no particular religion. It wasn’t until he returned to Ireland after being enslaved for many years that he established his faith and became a missionary. Today, Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Symbols

So what does the shamrock have to do with Saint Patrick’s Day and why do we wear green? Well, according to legend, Saint Patrick actually used a three-leafed clover to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans. Green is typically worn or displayed to represent Irish nationalism, as it is the color found in the green harp flag, which was used by the Irish Catholic Confederation and dates back to the 1640s. Since then, the color green has become symbolic of Irish heritage and is often used in traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Other symbols that are often associated with the holiday are leprechauns, which according to Irish folklore are a “small-bodied fellow” with magical powers. According to legend, leprechauns used their trickery to protect their treasure.

Celebrations

They may seem strange at first, but there are plenty of traditions that take place all over the world in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Did you know that every year, the entire Chicago River is dyed green for the holiday? It’s an annual event that has grown in popularity since being started as a family tradition over 50 years ago.

Food

Corned beef and cabbage are most widely known as the traditional food of Saint Patrick’s Day. Irish immigrants who lived on New York City’s Lower East Side are said to have substituted corned beef as a cheaper alternative to traditional Irish bacon.

Beer

 Of course, the celebration usually also calls for the consumption of Irish stout beer, which remains a crowd favorite in the country of Ireland as well as in the U.S. The drink of choice is Guinness—or better yet, bright green Guinness, which is offered at most pubs in its home country during celebrations and even in bars in the U.S.!

Living on one’s own can be a challenge for new homeowners or apartment-dwellers who are on a budget—especially if they’re also first-timers or have little experience handling their own finances. But even if you’re not pinching pennies or living paycheck to paycheck, learning how to set and stick to a realistic budget is a skill that every person should be familiar with. Not only does being more proactive about your finances help to ease stress, but it also might open your eyes to all the ways you’ve actually been throwing away your money just by not managing your spending habits.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to settle on a budget that works for you—one that accurately reflects your lifestyle. If you’re living on your own in a high-demand, booming downtown area with a high cost of living, your budget will probably look a lot different than someone who shares rent with three other people in a small town. Whatever the case, set a budget that realistically matches your daily financial needs. Consider factors like rent, gas, food, and the prices of entertainment in your free time.

It’ll be important to track what you spend to make sure you’re sticking with your budget, so try keeping a simple spreadsheet of all of your major expenses. Better yet, consider downloading a money management app that can help do the work for you. There are plenty of apps on the market that can track your account activity as you spend, and even categorize what you spend into areas such as food, gas, and entertainment.

After determining your budget and deciding how to track it, it’s time for the hard part—incorporating money-conscious spending habits into your daily life. One thing you can do to prevent spending more than you have to is to search for coupons before going out. You’d be surprised how many restaurants, retail stores, and other places you regularly shop give discounts and coupons just for visiting their site online. In many cases, there’s no need to even print them out—just screenshot the barcode on your phone and pull it up at the register.

Accounting for the major and inevitable expense of life is one thing—but there are actually many things we spend money on without thinking much about or planning on altogether. (When’s the last time you set aside funds for a broken leg? A car accident or major repair?) Make sure you factor in the not-so-obvious expenses so that if you are faced with an unfortunate event, you won’t be scrambling to pay for them. Things like unforeseen medical bills, car or home repairs, and pet expenses are all things to consider.

It’s also a good idea to save a “rainy day fund” for special occasions. Planning and budgeting is hard work, and it takes dedication and time—but not everything in life needs a strict, by-the-book plan. Set aside a small amount of money for a weekend trip, spur-of-the-moment vacation, or just a day or night to treat yourself and splurge a bit. You deserve it.

Another way you can cut your expenses down is to plan ahead for one of the biggest ways we spend money—food. If a friend or relative is constantly bombarding your social media feed with meal prep pictures, you’ve probably heard of (and are sick of) meal prepping. But preparing your meals and laying them out in advance every week actually saves you a ton of money and is a great way to limit the temptation of unplanned and costly trips out to eat. Try buying your food in bulk and finding new weekly recipes that your wallet—and tummy—will thank you for.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be a boring, painful, or even difficult task. There are plenty of options out there to help you plan, track, and meet your goals for managing your expenses. You may surprise yourself with just how much you’re able to save once you start!

Settling into a new place can be a challenging and draining process, but the transition can also be an exciting chance to explore unfamiliar places, meet interesting people, and try different things. Establishing yourself in a new place goes beyond simply figuring out how you’ll decorate your living room—you’ll probably be adjusting to a lot of things, and making your transition as smooth as possible is key. From making new friends, to adjusting to your newfound freedom, to living, eating, and decorating on a budget, we’ve gathered a ton of tips for new apartment-dwellers that are sure to make your post-move experience as stress-free as possible.

Once the initial commotion of unpacking and settling in dies down, one of the first things you may realize is that living on your own can leave you feeling a bit lonely. Meeting new people is an inevitable and exciting part of navigating the new area you now call home. Although it’s not always easy to find time to establish meaningful friendships while juggling all of your other priorities and responsibilities, there are a few ways we’ve found that can help make it a little less intimidating.

1. Find out what’s around town.

First, do some research and get to know what’s in the area—apart from the place you buy bread from or fill your tank. Find and become acquainted with the nearest bars, restaurants, movie theater, and shopping center. Familiarizing yourself with your new whereabouts will help to ease any anxieties you may feel about being in a foreign place, and it will help to eradicate that “new kid” feeling that suggests you don’t belong. It’s important to be confident and knowledgeable about your new town or community, and it can also be a lot of fun learning about what quirky traditions or touristy spots give your new home its unique personality.

2. Use technology.

Second, take advantage of social apps that can connect you with those of similar interests and hobbies in your area. Apps like Tinder Social, ATLETO, Bumble BFF, and Meet My Dog allow users to meet up and hang out on a casual basis without the pressure or commitment that can often be associated with romantic dating or hook-up apps. Try suggesting a fun group hang out such as bowling or grabbing a slice of pizza, and make an effort to talk to each person in the group. Just be sure to use your best judgement when it comes to meeting people through an app, and always meet in a public place.

3. Get out of your comfort zone.

Another way you can make friends in your new area is to try doing something out of your comfort zone that you wouldn’t necessarily have done back home. You may want to try volunteering at a local food kitchen, taking yourself out to eat for an empowering dinner for one, or taking a walk around town and seeing the sights for yourself. The only rule here is that whatever you decide to do shouldn’t involve laying on the couch at home watching a rom-com on a Friday night!

4. Stick to what you know.

Making new friends doesn’t always have to be a forced, awkward interaction. To avoid abandoning any remaining levels of comfort, try involving yourself in things you already enjoy doing. Whether you join a local gym, listen in on a weekly book club, or take an evening painting class, you’ll be able to put yourself in a comfortable setting that still gives you the opportunity to be social and meet people. You’ll already have established common ground with those around you based on shared interests, so friendships will be more likely to progress naturally.

5. Don’t get discouraged.

Finally, don’t stress too much about making new friends if it doesn’t seem to be transpiring as easily or as quickly as you anticipated. Finding friends and making connections in a new town or community can be a challenging and time consuming process, and it likely won’t happen overnight. As with all new life experiences, keeping an open mind will help you be prepared for just about any chance interaction that could arise. There are plenty of fish in the sea—and you’re bound to bump into a few if you’re willing to dive in.