Whether you have yet to make any, you do not make them or you are looking for some to add to your list, New Year's Resolutions can be a really helpful way to get your new year on track. Though they are sometimes hard to keep, by making resolutions that are not unrealistic, you can make this year Your Year! The following is a list of recommended resolutions to help kick your year off right.
1. Make a decision to be more active.
A lot of people decide they want to "hit the gym more" at the start of the year, but be honest, how many people do you see sticking to this resolution two weeks into January? Instead of pretending you will love and commit to running on a treadmill four times a week, it would be much easier to simply leave a few minutes earlier for class and take the long way or take the stairs to your class on the third floor. These are two ways to be more active without forcing yourself to do something you do not enjoy.
2. Stop putting energy into dead relationships.
Whether this is an old significant other, a friend that you have outgrown or that guy/girl who only texts you at 3 AM on Friday night, they are no longer worth your time. You cannot continually put time and energy into a person who does not also fulfill your needs; life is too short. This new year, take a good look at the people who make an effort to stay in your life in a positive way and reciprocate that effort to keep them around.
3. Watch where you eat.
This is definitely something that I struggle with, but if you can stick to it, this resolution is helpful in two ways. First, financially, eating out multiple times a week can really impact your bank account; even fast food can end up taking twenty dollars a week from your budget. Also, by not eating out, you are more likely to make a moderately healthier meal at home. This saves money while building on your other new habit to create a cycle of good decisions in regard to your well-being in the new year.
4. Make time for you.
One of the most important things that is often overlooked is self-care. This can be as simple as making time to take a hot bath at the end of each week or writing a list of every good thing that happened to you in one day. These little things are big steps toward taking better care of yourself mentally, which has a huge impact on how you see yourself and future decisions you will make. You are the most important person in your life and at the end of the day, you are all you have. Make sure you are taking care of your best friend: you.
This list is short and sweet and (hopefully) easy to stick to. Good luck in the new year and get ready to do big things. I know I am.
