Step out of your comfort zone this year, embrace your independent streak and remind yourself why you are such a unique creature by trying your hand at one of these fun and quirky activities

1. Start a new fashion trend
Britney's ditched her stylist and started setting her own trends. While we're not suggesting you go all 'bald chic', why not think of an original fashion idea and wear it with confidence? Wear odd socks, un-matching earrings, make a skirt out of tea towels; the sky's the limit. Don't knock it until you've tried it. You'll be surprised how many people follow suit if you sport your very own look with confidence and panache.

2. Eat something you've never eaten before
Give your taste buds a surprise and try ordering something totally different off the menu - frogs legs anyone? Or if you're feeling super daring, how about a nice plate of giant toasted ants or Thai green curry crickets? Yum!

3. Visit uncharted territory
The Degree Confluence Project sends plucky adventurers to each of the latitude and longitude integer degree intersections in the world using GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation systems. Once you get there, you'll be expected to file a picture and the story of your adventure on their website. For more information and to find out how many locations are left, visit www.confluence.org

4. Grow your body hair
Throw away your razors girls and see how long you can last without shaving or waxing. Comedienne and self-confessed 'serial hair remover' Shazia Mirza did it for three months as part of a BBC3 documentary entitled "F*** off I'm a Hairy Woman" and found the results to be strangely liberating. Reckon you're woman enough? Just think of the money you'll save - or should that be shave?

5. Break a world record
Get on the fast track to fame by setting or breaking a world record. Could you make the most modelling balloon sculptures in an hour? Or how about become the fastest Rap MC? Ever considered learning to type books backwards? No we didn't think so. To find a list of records worth breaking or to register your own idea, visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com

6. Write long hand!
Dare to ditch email when communicating with friends and family abroad and rediscover the joy of writing long hand. They'll be delighted to find a good old fashioned letter on their doorsteps. If you don't feel confident about your scrawl, buy some calligraphy pens and learn a new skill.

7. Drive Formula One-style
Finally an excuse to drive really, really fast without breaking the law. Book a drive in a single-seater round the Rockingham Oval at speeds of up to 130mph. Experience lateral, inline and negative G forces on the fast banks of Britain's only Oval circuit. Hold tight! Visit www.experiencemad.co.uk for more details.

8. Volunteer abroad
Make a difference by taking time out of the rat race to live and work in a developing country. As a volunteer you will not only provide invaluable support in rebuilding communities but also return home with a wealth of experience, memories and perhaps a new perspective on life. Find out more about international volunteering.

9. Throw away your telly
Fed up of filling your brain with mindless reality TV? Ever wished you could squeeze a few extra hours out of your day? Well here's a little secret: you can. Just get rid of the box. Suddenly you'll have time to read books, or maybe even write one, learn to cook or take up a new craft. And all because you've ousted the time vacuum in the corner! Go on, be strong! You can do it!

10. Meet meerkats
They're cute and furry and you'll want to take one home. They won't let you do that, but you can have your very own private audience with the utterly cute mini members of the mongoose family at feeding time. Or if you're extra brave, why not give the big cats their dinner. For more information, visit Paradise Wildlife Park