We all love the new year and the parties that celebrate it. After the party popper is popped, the champagne is toasted, and the crush is kissed at midnight, it's time to put those resolutions to work. My resolutions are to get better grades, to have a healthier diet, and to be in better shape. Sure, many of us share the same resolutions but that's because they're so important. These are commonly chosen resolutions because they're such hard things to accomplish and keep up. Sure, office hours are offered multiple times a week. Sure, fruit is a healthier snack than chips. Sure, there's multiple exercise facilities on campus.
We have so many ways to work on our new year's resolutions, but most of us struggle to do so. If you're determined to keep up your resolutions like I am, here are some tips for the three I mentioned!
1. GO to your professors! Many teachers say they won't curve a difficult 5-hour class but mine did. After all the adding, subtracting, and dividing, I knew the best grade I would get before taking finals. A few weeks later I see that my grades are all higher than I calculated was possible. Sometimes begging, pleading, and even crying will help bump your grade when you really need it. Teachers love to know that you take their class seriously.
2. Don't skip class! Going to your professor can be helpful, but they won't be as helpful if they've never seen you in class. Sure, attendance isn't necessary, but professors notice familiar faces, even in large lectures. If you can't concentrate, go to class and browse social media. You'll at least hear the lecture and learn more than you would skipping class.
3. Study WHILE working out! I know that's not always easy. Some of are easily distracted surrounded by so many fit students. If you want to get in a quick workout but need to brush up on a few terms for class, why not ride the bike while flipping notecards? You won't be giving your all to either task, but at least you were able to break a sweat and be active that day.
4. Make a workout schedule before classes resume! If you decide when you'll workout during the week right from the beginning, it can be easier to stick to it. After a few weeks, you'll have a routine and you'll be less likely to skip it. To really stay committed, plan your schedule with a roommate or friend who will go with you. You'll have more encouragement to go and a friend to make it more fun.
5. Make food ahead of time! I started making a few days worth of food every Sunday night. I would make real food, such as a pasta dish, and some veggies. Having food at home that I could pop in the microwave cut down the amount of times I ate out during the week. It also saved me a lot of money. If you love to eat out, save it for the weekends when more friends are free to join you.
6. Buy healthy snacks! Fruits and nuts are better than candy and chips. They can help satisfy your craving for sweet or salty without helping you pack on the extra pounds. If you make sure to have something like that with you during class, you can avoid buying chips at the vending machine or pigging out when you finally get home for lunch.
I can't promise these tips will work for everyone, but I know they'll really help me. Whatever your resolutions are, stick to them! You chose them for a reason and it's sure to help you be the best version of yourself. Let's start this year right and make ourselves the best Buckeyes we can be!
