So it's here: 2016. Every single new year, either you or your friend make resolutions that are impossible to keep. By February you've thrown your vegetarian diet to the wayside and stopped keeping track of your daily water intake. Keeping resolutions are hard. If it were easy, it wouldn't be a resolution. But sometimes we make impossible tasks for ourselves that we know we can't keep. Instead, here are some resolutions that are actually manageable to keep for not just 2016 - but for life.
1. Take fewer selfies but more pictures.
According to an Ohio State University Study, it's been found that people, men in particular, who take and post a lot of selfies tend to score higher on measures of narcism and psychopathy. When we look back in ten years at our pictures, we will want to see photographs of memories, not just our face. Also, print these pictures out! You will be glad you have a hard copy of your memories to share.
2. Drink more water.
It is really hard to keep track of how much water you're drinking if you don't have a water bottle with exact markings of ounces or milliliters. Keeping a log can be great for some people, but just trying to drink more water without even worrying about a logging it is helpful as well. The more water you take in during the week, the more your body will thank you after drinking on the weekend.
3. Start a savings account if you haven't already.
Put away ten dollars from each paycheck you get into another account. Use a financial planning app such as Mint, or the mobile app from your bank if you feel it helps, or just use an old-fashioned checkbook. When it's finally time for you to go on a big vacation or buy something you need --you'll already have the money put away.
4. Try and set a "bed-time" and stick to it.
Ok I get it. You're in college and going to bed at the same time every day is impossible. But pick a time, definitely before 12 a.m., and try to go to bed within an hour of that time. You will start feeling better and more awake.
5. Start eating breakfast.
This is hard. When you have class or work first thing in the morning it can be difficult to find something to eat. Maybe just start by drinking a cup of tea or eating a piece of toast. Putting something in your stomach within the first few hours you are awake will boost your metabolism.
6. Call your parents and tell them that you love them at least once a week.
Your parents took care of you for 18 years of your life, and chances are they are still taking care of you in some aspects. Tell them you love them. They will appreciate it.
7. Be on your phone less when you go out to eat.
Let's face it, our generation is obsessed with technology. We are always plugged in to our cell phones wether we are using Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or even just texting. When you are going out to eat, especially when you go to a nicer restaurant, you aren't just paying for the food you are also paying for the experience. If you've chosen to go out to eat with a friend, it is because you like this person's company: so enjoy it!
8. Wash the makeup off your face every night.
Your face will thank you. Your pores will thank you. Your skin will thank you.
9. Start keeping track of all of your important belongings.
Make a special place in your room for your wallet, keys, etc. and actually put your belongings there every night when you get home. When you wake up for class or work the next morning you will save so much time that you would have spent looking for your keys.
10. Do one kind thing a day.
Hold the door open for someone. Share your umbrella with your friend. Do one thing that is kind each day, and not only will you better yourself, but you will better their lives as well.
11. Cook more.
When you are out of college and in the real adult world, cooking meals that taste good and are healthy for yourself is a big skill to have.
12. Eat less fast food.
McDonalds is tasty, but it isn't healthy. While it is cheap, you can easily get a fresh salad at Trader Joe's for around the same price. Although you may miss the salty, greasy taste of those McDee's french fries, you will feel better when you start eating less fast food.
13. Buy yourself a small present once a month.
Whether it's a Lush Bath Bomb, a lipgloss at Sephora, or a pair of fuzzy socks, treating yourself to something small once a month is good for your morale.
14. Take more baths.
Particularly bubble baths. Because who doesn't love bubbles?
15. Find a hobby.
Pick up knitting. Find a great book. Pick up cooking. Start a Pinterest board with all your craft ideas and make some.
16. Find one thing to be thankful for every day.
Because every day is filled with so many amazing things, and there's always one thing to be thankful for.
