Now that we’re a couple weeks into 2016, everyone can cut the act that they are going to lose 15 pounds before spring break, only eat out at restaurants once a month, exercise five times a week, or cut down 30 percent on overall spending costs.
Most New Year’s resolutions are either forgotten about by the time February rolls around or so unrealistic that people just end up feeling poorly about themselves because they are basically impossible to achieve. Here is a list of a few New Year’s resolutions for college students—or essentially anyone else—that are actually attainable and can truly make a difference in 2016:
1. Drink more water.
A huge percentage of the human body is comprised of water; why not do your body a favor and drink more of it? The health benefits of water are endless. Drinking six to eight glasses of water is a simple resolution that can truly make a difference in your day to day life.
2. Call your family more regularly.
Your grandma would love a phone call from you once every other week. Your 4-year-old cousin would be thrilled to Skype with you once in a while. Your mom probably worries about you constantly, so making more of an effort to let her know you are alive and well would calm her nerves. Your family cares about you and would love to hear from you more. Besides, talking to your uncle and hearing about how your little cousin drew in crayon all over the wall can be a comical and much-needed distraction from all of the daily stress of college life.
3. Spend more time alone.
You are the only person you have to deal with for the rest of your life. Think about it. You set aside time to go out to dinner with your roommates, hang out with your friends from high school over breaks and get coffee with your friend from class, but when’s the last time you set aside time to spend time with yourself? Read a book. Meditate. Go to the gym. Watch TV. People watch. Just relax. Respecting yourself enough to give yourself time to yourself can make a world of difference in your emotional health and overall well-being.
4. Eat Chipotle only one time a week.
OK, maybe this sounds ridiculous to the majority of people, but for me, this is a genuine resolution that I need to work on. While Chipotle might not be that bad health-wise, sitting down and eating an entire burrito bowl, chips and a soda three times a week definitely isn’t improving my health, and my bank account isn’t very happy with me for this habit. Whatever your comfort food may be—Chipotle, a pint of Chubby Hubby ice cream or McDonald’s breakfast—try to cut down on the amount of consumption. This is much more achievable than cutting it out of your diet completely, and then you won’t feel guilty for “cheating” on the day that you are absolutely craving your comfort food.
5. Go on more walks.
Walking can definitely help clear your mind and is a great type of exercise without spending two hours at the gym every night, which definitely isn’t feasible to fit into my schedule with school and work. Walking to the Point with your friends or even walking around the city for 15 minutes as a study break are great ways to de-stress and fit in easy exercise.
6. Put a portion of each paycheck into your savings account.
Make it reasonable. If you will barely be able to afford rent, groceries and bills while putting 50 percent of your paycheck into your savings account, then don’t do it! Even if you make it 10 percent or $5 per paycheck, putting something away toward your future will make you feel a little bit better about yourself.
7. Act like you are worth something.
Because you are. Whatever this resolution means, do it. Maybe this is the most difficult resolution on this list, but it’s still possible to do and, as I’m learning in my 21st year of life, very necessary. Whether this resolution means cutting a toxic relationship out of your life, wearing a shirt that makes you feel great about yourself or saying no to the guy that makes you think poorly about yourself. Make this resolution a priority.
8. Read more.
Even if it’s a page before bed every night. Even if it’s just reading the New York Times online to keep up on news. Even if it’s reading a Peanuts comic book simply because it makes you happy! Reading is for knowledge and entertainment; why not add a little bit more of those into your life with this simple resolutions?
There you have it: a list of a few goals I have made for the new year that I feel might be applicable to others, as well as achievable. I’m sure there are a ton more realistic goals you can make, but that’s the point; make them realistic. Even if it seems ridiculous, like vowing to not drink on Sunday nights or not talking to your ex if it’s detrimental to your health. Happy belated New Year! Make 2016 the best one yet.
