When December is coming to a close at the end of each year I feel as if I hear the phrase, "New year, new me!" getting thrown around endlessly. This phrase typically is followed by, "For my new years resolution, I'm going to start hitting the gym!"
For the first week of January, our school gym is absolutely packed day in and day out. The following week still shows a substantial amount of people working out from Monday through Friday. As the weeks go on, fewer and fewer people show up until the regular gym-goers are narrowed down to pretty much the same people that were there in December.
While the idea of "hitting the gym" every week is a great and healthy way to start fresh in the new year, it's cliché and people rarely stick to that promise. So I encourage everyone to still go for it; go out and get that fit bod you've wanted for so long, yet at the same time, try and pick up one or two more fun resolutions along the way for a better year and an even better you. Here are 15 New Year's resolution ideas to spice up your 2016 a little.
1. Put down your phone once a week.
I notice so many people (myself included) get so wrapped up in social media and events that are completely irrelevant to my reality. So I encourage you to start looking less at your Twitter and more at everything in front of you. Be present and enjoy your day.
2. Purge your closet.
If your closet is overflowing with clothes and you still struggle to find an outfit in the morning, it's probably time to clean it out. Throw out clothes that either you don't wear or don't have a specific purpose like business attire. That way you have room to switch things up and have a closet full of things you love.
3. Be punctual.
We all have at least one friend who is practically expected to be late to anything and everything. Let's try not to be that person. Start planning ahead and learning to manage your time. Don't be the late one this year!
4. Be reliable!
We also know someone who always flakes out on us. They'll agree to plans and at the very last minute, they'll find an excuse not to follow through. Your friends ask you to hang out because they enjoy spending time with you, not because they like to get ditched! This year, make a point to follow through with all your plans.
5. Learn an instrument.
Learning an instrument is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I completely stand behind my belief that everybody should learn how to play an instrument. They're great for letting out any pent up creative energy, finding something to do with spare time and playing music is a great way to meet people and make new friends.
6. Call your parents.
While you're away at college this year, make an effort to give your mom or dad a ring. Even though you might often butt heads, they love you and miss you. I guarantee they'd love to hear from you.
7. Learn to drive stick.
(This might be one of my resolutions this year.) It just seems like fun.
8. Get a plant.
Help yourself out and learn to commit to another living thing. It's not as much of a commitment as a puppy, and it may not be as adorable, but it'll still give you some sense of responsibility.
9. Get in touch with old friends.
Stop looking back on old memories and make some new ones.
10. Take a road trip.
Sometimes you need a little change in scenery. Road trips with friends are fun ways to get out of town, hear cool stories, and have an awesome time in new places with your best friends.
11. Eat your greens!
This year, be conscious of what you're eating. Eating more greens on a regular basis makes a significant change in how you look and feel! It tightens your pores, makes your skin brighter and you feel like you have a full tank of gas all day long with all that energy.
12. Start waking up early.
Even though the New Year happens in the middle of Winter Break, start your days earlier. If you choose to go to the gym as a resolution, the morning is the perfect time to get in your workout. Starting to wake up early now also prepares you for those dreaded 8 a.m. classes.
13. Practice saying thank you.
Accept compliments when they're given to you from now on. Don't shoot down someone's nice gesture. Say thank you, and mean it.
14. Get wild.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is good for you sometimes. Go skydiving, cliff jumping or even just learn to surf.
15. Learn to love.
And no I don't mean fall in love and find your soulmate in 2016. I mean, learn to love others openly. Make your friends understand how important they are to you. Radiate love and make the world a better place just by being part of it.
