A new beginning always sends people's minds into a frenzy. They want a fresh start and new opportunities, and starting a new year is essentially the mother of all new beginnings. Therefore, people make themselves crazy each and every year trying to come up with the perfect new year's resolutions; the kind of things that will be obtainable, make them a better person, and will be acceptable in social circles. People constantly come up with new and unique ideas for how they want to change their life, but over the years, multiple trends in resolutions appeared. According to Time Magazine, there are 10 resolutions that people cannot help but go back to year after year.
1. Lose weight and get fit.
This is of course a wonderful goal to have, and when a person can stick to it, they are better off for it. The real struggle is keeping your workout plan going after mid-February.
2. Quit smoking.
A wonderful and commendable new year's resolution. It is one that hopefully anyone and everyone who intends to do it can manage to. They, and anyone they are close to, will be better off for it.
3. Learn something new.
Whether it's how to surf, play guitar, make sushi, or knit, there is something about learning a new skill that feels outstandingly satisfying. Just remember not to give it up after a few unsuccessful attempts.
4. Eat healthier and diet.
Everyone knows how unbelievably impossible this can be. Sure, having salad and yogurt all day every day is a great idea, but the second you see a donut, it no longer feels quite as worth it.
5. Get out of debt and save money.
This one is nearly as impossible as the goal of eating healthy; however, this is vital for college students to master. It's all about budgeting and not splurging on Taco Bell and Sephora every weekend.
6. Spend more time with family.
Such a simple resolve to make, but one that can be difficult to keep when life, work, plans and obligations get in the way. No matter how difficult it may be to find time, once you do you will have a vastly better year.
7. Travel to new places.
A goal of this caliber may make the plans of spending more time with family and saving money a bit difficult, but in some cases, spending a little extra is worth it. Buying experiences is so much more valuable than buying material objects, and your life will be so much richer with each new experience.
8. Be less stressed.
While this is easier said than done, there are some ways to decrease the stress life piles on top of you. Use an art therapy coloring book, take up jogging, dance it out in the living room, or read a heart-pounding science fiction novel. Whatever makes you feel relaxed, find a way to make some time for it.
9. Volunteer.
With the amount of responsibilities you already have on your plate, volunteering can seem a bit unnecessary; however, making time for this is completely worth it. Whether it's an animal rescue, a soup kitchen, or a children's Secret Santa workshop, helping people who need it will make your day.
10. Drink less.
Now this certainly isn't talking about drinking water, but rather something of a stronger variety. You don't exactly have to abstain completely, but it's a good idea to stop finishing a bottle of wine when you are stressed and shotgunning beers at every party. Just be smart about it.
While you may not be able to accomplish each and every resolution you make as well as you had hoped, it is all about the effort. Try to get up each day and work out, give your parents a call, put some volunteer hours in and work on your new hobby. Just make an effort this year.
