In the wake of the new year, we all want to consider how to improve ourselves, become people who we can look back on and say, "Yeah, I've definitely improved since last year." A lot of times, this is easier said than done. What we really need to focus on is how to be happy, how to see the people who we are and not set goals that are easy to miss; making us feel worse than we did the year before. Here are some resolutions that can change your overall outlook on life and encourage you to be a happier person in the new year:
1. Get outside more.
When they actually make it outdoors, people are happier than when they are stuck inside their apartments all day. Even just sitting out on the porch for a few minutes can improve your mood more than clicking on that next episode on Netflix. Give yourself some time to take a walk and breathe fresh air and see the beauty of things outside your inside bubble.
2. Exercise.
Because that's most likely on your resolution list anyway. But maybe instead of going on some insane diet in January to make up for all your questionable food decisions over the holidays, just eat like a normal human being, and start your new workout regimen slowly in order to avoid getting burned out so fast.
3. Spend as much time with your friends as you can.
Springtime is the time for many to move on, as it is the most popular time to graduate. Enjoy these next few years (or semesters) with your friends and make as many memories as possible.
4. Volunteer.
Even the little time you may have. Even if it is one day out of three months, or even the whole semester, just go out for a day to help others, little things like this always help you to reflect on the simple things and life and really get you into a more positive thought process.
5. Take up a hobby.
Learn something new, or brush up on something old. Learning will keep your mind focused on things that won't cause you harm, also most hobbies make great conversation pieces and it always feels nice to be knowledgeable about something other people may not be as familiar with.
6. Travel somewhere new.
Road trip, because it's cheap. Work, and save up to fly somewhere you've always wanted to go. Don't stay stagnant somewhere you don't need to be every single day. When you travel you feel different. You open yourself up to new places. You experience things others haven't. Getting out there is always an amazing way to grow as a person.
7. Spend your money (sometimes).
Treat yo'self! Have a mild shopping day or spend money on something extravagant like a 60-minute massage. Every once in awhile, especially during high stress exams, things like this will really help calm you down, (retail therapy is real).
8. Talk to your parents more.
As we get older, keeping a good relationship with our parents will be the ultimate reward. Family members, especially the ones who raised us, deserve our attention.
9. Do something crazy.
Pick one night or day and just go all out for the memories.
10. Never stop recognizing how important your own happiness is.
Spread it to others and always be thoughtful of others, but don't neglect your own happiness, because that will stunt any growth you've made faster than anything else can.
