The ringing in of the new year is accompanied by resolutions, but are they always fulfilled? Whether it's losing weight or getting better grades, many New Year's resolutions are created with such determination in January, only to be forgotten by June. This time, don't let yourself lose the resolve with which you started the year. From accomplishing your resolutions to acing the spring semester, these 16 tips will help you accomplish your goals for 2016.
1. Use weekly planners.
Your phone’s calendar alerts can become buried under other notifications, and the format can make it difficult to visualize the week’s schedule. Instead, using a physical planner is one of the easiest ways to stay organized, accomplish tasks, and remember commitments.
2. Organize your workspace.
A cluttered desk correlates with cluttered thoughts. Keeping a tidy workspace will give you more peace of mind when you are stressed about papers and exams.
3. Accept when you don’t have time to do something.
Even if you schedule an event every hour of the day, there is sometimes simply not enough time to do everything, and that is OK. Do not overwhelm yourself and become burnt out before exams even start!
4. Surround yourself with good people.
Spend time with people who can make you laugh, support your endeavors, and even force you to take eye drops because they care about your health.
5. Stay up-to-date on the news.
Current events are just that, current – do not find yourself unaware of what is happening around the world. And with the upcoming election, it is important to know about the candidates you will vote for. Regardless of how you follow the news, stay informed.
6. Avocados.
Avocados are superfruits packed with protein, nutrients, and deliciousness. Chipotle guac is not enough – buy fresh avocados to eat with a sandwich, salad, eggs, or just plain!
7. Take the long way.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to both get daily exercise and relieve stress without a second thought. Take the long route to class, avoid the elevator by climbing the stairs instead, and take breaks while in the library to walk around for a few minutes.
8. Drink more water.
Drinking more water is one of the easiest ways to be healthier. By drinking water throughout the day, you will not forget to avoid dehydration, and you may have clearer skin and be less tired too.
9. Use dry shampoo.
We’ve all been there – choosing between 15 more minutes of sleep or washing your hair. Instead of having to choose, invest in dry shampoo to sleep in and still have clean locks!
10. Remember to self-care.
If you are constantly debating between sleeping or showering, or between eating dinner and doing homework, revise your schedule. Self-care is important, and if you do not sleep enough or stay healthy, none of your work will be top quality anyway.
11. Talk less, smile more.
And if you don’t understand this reference, listen to the "Hamilton" soundtrack immediately.
12. Spend less time on social media.
Do not completely go offline, but check yourself throughout the day. Is Facebook distracting you from studying? Are you not paying attention to a friend’s story because you use Twitter while they talk? If the answer is yes, put down your phone and engage with the real world.
13. Read graphic novels.
Reading, which takes your eyes off a screen and engages you in a story, is one great alternative to social media. But if you have a hectic schedule and workload, it can be hard to read full-length books. Read graphic novels instead, which are much quicker to read and feature exceptional artwork.
14. Let yourself de-stress.
If you are stressed or upset, do not repress all your feelings! Worse than feeling overwhelmed is feeling trapped; talk to someone close to you or write a journal entry to release your emotions.
15. Be prepared to revise your goals.
As the seasons change, so will your aspirations. Resolutions that you made in January may be accomplished by the summer, or you may have no desire to fulfill them anymore. This does not mean to lose sight of your goals and resolutions, but rather to adapt them as your year progresses.
16. Make your own list.
Much like this article, a list of your goals will be a visible reminder to accomplish them. Hang up the list somewhere you will see every day for the most inspiration.
Good luck in 2016!