At the start of this new year, how many tweets and status updates have you seen about 2016 Resolutions or “new year, new me”? It’s okay, I’ve rolled my eyes at a good bit of them, too. But, going into a new year does create a kind of blank page for you to make some changes in your life. Big changes may be hard to follow through on, but here are some smaller changes that you may want to consider going into this new year.
1. Cut the Cussing.
There are about one million words in the English language, and if you know more than one language, you’re blessed with an even bigger vocabulary. While everyone may cuss, if you cut it out during 2016, think of how much better you’ll be able to express yourself and how much more respectful your speech will sound. It’s worth a try!
2. Leave a little earlier
How often do you find yourself paying for that extra episode of Netflix or extra snooze button hit by getting stuck in traffic? Have you become the perpetually late friend? Have you developed a serious case of road rage because people don’t ever seem to be driving fast enough for you? Try leaving a little earlier for your destination. You may have to wait for other people when you get there early, but at least you won’t be the one people are complaining about!
3. Go to bed a little earlier
No, two AM is not a real bedtime; try to at least go to sleep on the same day you woke up. You’ll be more refreshed, and mornings won’t seem as terrible.
4. Turn off the phone, laptop, and TV
I know-blasphemy. Think about it, though. If you unplug for even half an hour a day, imagine the possibilities of what you can do. You can focus better while studying, you can try to learn how to play an instrument, you can read for fun, you can spend time with a friend in person. Sacrifice an episode of Parks and Rec for a quick run. You could even take a nap. Just take some time for yourself, unplugged.
5. Redefine “partying”
Sure, going uptown with friends can be really fun, but during 2016, try to mix it up a bit. You probably want to make memories you’ll never forget, but that’s hard to do if you can’t even remember your night. Have a girls’ night IN, go laser tagging, go mini-golfing, go get your nails done! All “parties” don’t HAVE to take place in crowded rooms.
6. Don’t complain as much
I’m a culprit of this one. Sometimes we don’t realize how much we complain during the course of a day. Take some time to be thankful for all you have during the new year, and let people know how much you appreciate them.
7. Compliment at least one person a day, even if that person is you
We all get low self-esteem from time to time. Maybe during 2016, you could try thinking some nice things about yourself every time a toxic thought tries to enter your mind. Also, you never know what kind of battle someone else may be fighting, so tell that waitress you like her nails, tell that cashier that her earrings are beautiful, tell that woman that her hair looks really nice. You may just make someone’s day.
8. Get a piggy bank
Money. We all want it. And as college kids, we need it. During 2016, try saving up your loose change or even stash away every one dollar bill that comes into your possession. By January 1, 2017, you may just find that you’ve saved up a small fortune.
9. Count to 10
“You can stand anything for 10 seconds”- Kimmy Schmidt. If you’re mad, count to 10 before letting your anger get the best of you. If you’re sad, take 10 seconds to rationalize. If you’re irritated, take 10 seconds to cool off. If you’re in an argument, take 10 seconds to think. You’ll thank yourself later.
10. Sleep it off
When times get rough, take some time to just sleep it off. A lot of times, we get more irritable or emotional when we’re tired. You need your sleep. It’s okay to put some things off until morning or cancel plans last minute when it comes to your mental health.
11. Improve some part of your health
Spiritual, emotional, social, etc! Go back to church, take an exercise class, join a club, cut out ice cream (gasp!). Think about some part of your health that you’ve neglected in 2015, and try to give it a little boost this year. That improvement may just bring up the rest of your health levels and make you feel better all around!
12. Smile more
Have you ever tried to be mad or really sad while smiling all day? It’s pretty hard. No, you don’t want to fake being “okay” if something is actually bothering you, but smiling a little more never hurt anyone! If you pass someone on the sidewalk, don’t look away; smile at them for once- it’s contagious.
13. Take deep breaths to fall asleep
Okay, there was no “non-cheesy” way to write this one, but it’s true. When trying to fall asleep, how often do your thoughts get in your way? Calm your racing mind by focusing on your breathing. Take deep breaths, and before you know it, you’ll be waking up, well-rested!
14. Find a good playlist
Everyone needs a good power-song. Whether it helps you run that extra mile, becomes your go-to song to sing in the car with sorority sisters, or just lifts your mood when you’re sad, you need to find a good playlist or at least a good song to serve as your 2016 anthem!
15. Volunteer
Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help others. Not only will you learn a lot about those around you, but through volunteering, you can make friends, gain experience, and maybe find something that you’re truly passionate about. Volunteering doesn’t have to be serving food to the homeless or planting trees; check out local non-profits for volunteering positions more appealing to you.
16. Set attainable goals and make lists
How good does it feel to cross things off on a to-do list? Even if one of the things you write is just “finish to-do list”, you at least get to know that you accomplished something when you cross it off. If you want to go bigger than the to-do list, maybe sign up for a marathon or schedule that sky-diving trip. Stop saying “I’ll get around to it,” or “One day, I want to…”. Make today that day; make 2016 the year you follow through.
Happy 2016!
