The new year is rapidly approaching and you know that as soon as the 31st rolls around you will only be asked one question, "What is your New Year's resolution?!" Most of the time it consists of going to the gym more or quitting a bad habit, but as soon as January ends, typically the resolutions do too. It's hard to think that just because we've seen the shiny, silver ball drop another time that we will instantly be able to change our daily habits and routines, so here is a list of easy New Year's Resolutions that any college student can hold onto for the entirety of 2016.
1. Always order dessert.
When you look back on this day, will you remember the amount of calories you ate? No. Will you remember the delicious taste of Maple Cheesecake? Yes.
2. Put the phone away at a certain time every night.
When you have a certain time that the phone gets plugged into the charger and taken out of commission for the day, you'll get better sleep and less temptation to binge watch an entire season of America's Next Top Model (...guilty).
3. Make your class notes color coordinated.
It's proven that the more fun you have writing your notes, the more likely you are able to remember them. So buy some colored pens and get to learning!
4. Find one song from a new band/artist every week.
Who doesn't love falling in love with new bands? Make it your mission to try out at least one new song that isn't constantly playing on the radio.
5. Reward yourself for good grades.
Instead of setting academic standards that are too high, simply reward yourself when you do well. This gives incentive to work harder and do well more often instead of guilting yourself into pulling all nighters.
6. Plan monthly roommate dates.
You may live in the same close quarters, but sometimes you can feel so disconnected from living separate lives. Instead of only bonding at bedtime, plan brunch with them once a month to catch up and bond.
7. Watch one documentary a month.
Learning new things, the easy way.
8. Pick out your outfits before bed.
Granted there will be days that you have a complete change of heart or a blizzard pops up out of nowhere, but if you pick out what you're wearing the next day before you go to bed, you can hit snooze a few extra times.
9. Write yourself notes.
When you know you're going to have a difficult week, place a few post-its in places you will see them. Little friendly reminders to keep on smiling never hurt.
10. Go to a campus event once a month.
Whether it's an author coming to speak about their latest book, a local band playing in the student center, or a basketball game, try to attend one event per month that engages you with the larger community.
11. Try new places to study.
Sitting in the library for hours everyday becomes monotonous (and honestly... do you really get work done there?). Visit local coffee shops, find those secret nooks on campus, and find your ultimate study spot this year (or rotate between several, the more the merrier!).
12. Be a better listener.
It requires little to no effort to listen to others problems, so why not try to perfect it this year? Not only will you strengthen relationships, but you might learn a thing or two about the people around you.
13. Don't drink to blackout.
Drink until you get a nice buzz that will last you through the night. Because when do you wake up the next morning and feel satisfied with your vomit, regretful decisions, and hangover? Never, so maybe prevent that from happening a little more this year.
14. Cry more.
This one might seem a little weird, but you can't deny the fact that sometimes you just need a good cry. And once you're done, you feel 100000x better. So don't hold back the tears this year and when you're stressed out, listen to sad songs or watch Marley and Me, that works too.
15. Look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself you're going to have a good day.
When you take each day one at a time and positively reassure yourself, you are capable of anything. 2016 will be the best one yet.
