There’s no doubt about it: 2016 is in full swing! Consequently, New Year’s resolutions tend to emerge. Social media seems to be plagued with statuses and posts about how all of our friends and family will be “getting their lives together” in the new year. Whether it is exercising more or using electronics less, everyone is hinting at adopting the “new year, new me” attitude. However, come January 10 or so, most of us will give up on our goals and revert back to our old ways. As simple as it sounds, only one minute separated us from 2015 and 2016, and it takes much longer than 60 seconds to change. Nonetheless, initiating said change can be simple. Here are 16 realistic New Year’s resolutions that can be accomplished in 2016.
1. Read a book.
Although college is chock-full of boring textbooks, reading is essential to your mental health. Books are intellectually stimulating and provide readers with a creative outlet to de-stress. Even if you only read one book throughout the entire 365 days, take time for leisure reading. You won’t regret it.
2. Unplug from technology.
Every health section of every magazine urges us to take a break from our electronic devices before bedtime. Why not give it a shot? A good night’s sleep is always a good idea.
3. Increase your water intake.
Sodas and spritzers are exciting, but our bodies crave water. Substitute a glass of water for your traditional beverage every once in awhile. Water is extremely beneficial to our well-being. It is also important to remember to alternate a glass of water when drinking alcoholic beverages. Your body will thank you.
4. Order out less.
Not only will eating out less save you money, it will also help you improve your cooking skills. Pinterest has a ton of simple, minimal ingredient recipes to try! Experimenting with food is fun, and who doesn’t love a tasty and delicious meal?
5. Study in increments.
Trust me on this one. Cramming is completely, 100 percent ineffective. When you learn that you have a tough exam coming up, it is important to start studying early. Small study sessions will help your retain information more effectively and will help to relieve testing anxiety.
6. Smile more.
As cheesy as it sounds (pardon the pun), smiling is critical! A simple grin releases endorphins and tricks your brain into feeling happy. Plus, RBF (resting b*tch face) is not cute. Let’s try to leave that back in 2015.
7. Recycle.
Recycling isn’t just for Earth-loving, tree-hugging hippies. Saving the planet can be as simple as refilling a reusable water bottle or tossing old homework into a recycle bin.
8. Save $1 a day.
Us college students are some of the most frugal individuals in the world. Most online banking services can be programmed to deduct and transfer increments of money from checking accounts to saving accounts. Everyone can afford $1 a day, and at the end of the year, you’ll have $365 dollars to enjoy!
9. Chat on the phone.
While texting is quick, easy, and convenient, phone conversations are more personal. Remember the days when we would talk on the phone with our best friends and/or crushes for hours? We should make that a thing again.
10. Volunteer.
Even one hour a week can make a world of difference! Local Animal Protective Leagues and after school tutoring programs are always looking for people to help out.
11. Clean your room.
As annoying as the process may be, a clean room is a happy room! Organization can actually help you to be more productive.
12. Take a brief social media hiatus.
I love to tweet, pin, and Instagram as much as the next person, but it is important not to let social media consume us. Deactivating Facebook and Twitter for a few days may be more beneficial than we think.
13. Enjoy the great outdoors.
Nature is beautiful, and it is time we start enjoying it again. Go for a walk or ride your bike around campus. Just get outside!
14. Go to sleep 30 minutes earlier.
A good night’s sleep will help us to feel more refreshed in the morning.
15. Live in the moment.
Instead of Snapchatting every moment of date or girls’ night out, enjoy the time spent with your loved ones. Think about the stories that you will one day tell your grandkids! You’re more likely to remember that time you went to a concert with Katie and got chosen for a seat upgrade, rather than putting a “Valencia” filter on your Instagram post.
16. Make time for yourself.
Me time is the best time, and don’t ever forget it!
