As 2015 comes to a close and you start searching for the perfect New Year's Eve outfit, I encourage you to also think about a New Year's resolution. One year, I gave up drinking soda, and it was the best decision I made...for approximately a month. Everyone always says, "This will be the year I (insert fitness/relationship/occupational goal here)." But I think I am not the only one who makes these changes for a few months before reverting back to old habits. They just die too hard. So, here are 15 New Year's resolutions you can actually keep.
1. Eat more tacos.
Seriously, do it. Tacos are cheap and delicious. Plus, everyone loves them so you can always find a friend to indulge with.
2. Binge watch a Netflix series with your roommate.
You can totally yell at the TV together, plus you won't have to fight about who gets to watch their show on Monday nights.
3. Use a planner.
This isn't as fun as the first two suggestions, but you will thank yourself when all of your events, tests and meetings are recorded in your color-coded planner.
4. Compliment someone you don't know every day.
I don't know about you, but I love hearing, "Hey, your hair looks really shiny today!" The littlest things can make someone's day, and you never know when you'll make a new friend.
5. Call your parents more.
If you're like me, you only call your mom when you need her to book you an appointment with your optometrist for the next time you're home (sorry, Mom). Your parents do wonder how you're doing though, so give them a call.
6. Call your grandparents more.
*see number 5* Just like your parents, your grandparents also want to know what you're up to, and normally they'll tell you to visit and offer you free food.
7. Make your bed every morning.
If you want to trick yourself into thinking you have it together, start by making your bed every morning. Your room will automatically look more put together, and you won't be tempted to get back in it every time you have a 20-minute break.
8. Take compliments graciously.
The next time someone tells you that you did a great job on your presentation, say "Thank you so much!" and move on. Don't tear yourself down by telling the person complimenting you everything you did wrong. Sometimes, you are just really great, and deserve to hear it! #beconfident
9. Find a new club.
This semester, I joined TUTV, and couldn't be more happy with my decision to do so. I gained new skills, met new people, and found a new activity I look forward to every week.
10. Do laundry the right way.
During my freshman year of college, I thought that as long as I washed everything on cold, my laundry would be okay. While true-ish, I know now that a little bleach in a "whites only" load makes a huge difference. Your whites will thank you.
11. Go outside.
In Tulsa, we have been blessed with 70-degree days in December, and if you have not taken advantage of that, you should promise to in the future. Nothing can fix your mood or help you de-stress like a walk in the sunshine!
12. Learn a new word every day.
Using "like" as a filler in conversations can make you sound uninterested in the conversation, or worse...boring. The Word of the Day app is free and will help you find new words!
13. Learn a card game.
Cards Against Humanity is always a win for game night with friends, but it can get old, especially when you and your pals have the deck memorized. Learning Gin Rummy, Hearts, or Spades gives you another option for game night.
14. Go to the movies more.
I know it can get expensive to see every movie you want to see in theaters, but a trip every now and then is worth it. Nothing beats movie theater popcorn and free refills.
15. Finally, laugh more.
Laugh at yourself, laugh so hard you cry, and laugh until your stomach hurts. Learning to laugh at yourself is an invaluable skill. If you're like me, you learned this at a young age, (thanks, awkward phase), but to everyone else, give it a shot. The next time you stumble in your stilettos, laugh it off. You will be much happier and more relaxed.
To all you fitness gurus who are resolving to run that marathon or eat a paleo diet (whatever that means), you have my respect. To everyone else, you still have my respect. Resolutions are about bettering yourself and gaining new experiences. Even if you pursue something off this list, you tried, and you might have a little fun along the way!
