As you all know, a new year is upon us. We can all give up on the #NewYearNewMe mindset that we have tried to carry on through past years, and accept the fact that not much is going to change. You're not going to drop 20 pounds in 4 weeks or become spiritually one with yourself through a one-month yoga membership. Realistically, there are a few resolutions that you can accomplish that will make the new year a little bit better, trust me on this one.
1) Stop drunk calling or texting your ex.
And no, you are not an exception. You don't want to "just talk" at 2 a.m. and you definitely don't want to wake up and realize that you left 8 missed calls and two voicemails that you can't even remember. You're not helping yourself, and you'll most likely end up irrationally drunk crying and you'll be "that" guy or girl. Order some pizza, go to after hours, or even just go to sleep. If you still feel like you need to call, do it sober and not between the hours of 11 pm and 4 am. You're better than that.
2) Don't set ridiculously high workout goals.
Let's be honest, if you really try you'll probably only still drag yourself to the gym 3 times a week. But if that's all you can fit in, don't sweat it. We're extremely busy people in college, your health is important but your #bodygoals are the least relevant goals that you can accomplish. Work out to stay healthy, do it to be a better version of yourself but don't try aim for a "thigh gap" or something drastic and unrealistic. And DON'T compare yourself to others - someone's size 2 might be your size 6. Be proud of yourself for what you do accomplish, but don't put yourself down for what you don't.
3) Don't diet.
I know, what you're thinking, "how can you tell people not to diet?! Diets are healthy!!!" No, diets aren't healthy, eating healthy is healthy. I don't care how elaborate your diet Pinterest board is, its not going to give you long term results. What will give you long term results is adding healthier foods into your every day meals and making sure you are eating balanced meals. It's okay to have a big mac sometimes, you don't need to resort to the newest "no carb, no sugar, no fat" diet to stay in shape. Nourish yourself with your food choices, but make sure you still remember to treat yourself. Eat what makes your body feel good.
4) Be nice to people you don't know.
Literally just smile at someone once in a while. People feel happier and want to be around you when you show kindness to everyone. Think of how many people you've gotten to know that you thought "wow, I thought they were stuck up or mean because they were cold to me at first," you probably just realized they were really shy or didn't think to communicate with a stranger. Open doors for people, smile and maybe even make small talk with people you don't know. This can lead to some great friendships
5) Aim to do one new thing a week.
They say life begins outside your comfort zone, and this is usually true. If you're sick of your routine, change things up. Even if its just trying out a new eating spot once a week, it can make a huge difference. You never know when you're going to find your next favorite thing.
6) Call an old friend.
There's nothing like reconnecting with someone that you haven't talked to in a while. They will appreciate it and you'll feel really good after knowing that you can pick up where you left off. Make sure everyone you care about in your life knows it, this is an easy step to that.
7) Remind yourself one reason why you love yourself every day.
No matter what this past year brought into your life, the one thing you had through it all was yourself. Tell yourself every day a reason you're happy to be you. You deserve it and it'll keep you motivated throughout the year. There is no one like you and at the end of the day, loving yourself is the best thing you can do.
So there you have it, make sure this New Year is one to remember and you're being realistic with your resolutions. And remember, always be proud for what you do accomplish.
