New Year's resolutions are incredibly popular and are indeed worthy goals – but personally, I've always found January a difficult time of year to form new habits. With the New Year falling right after Christmas, it's challenging to leave behind the carefree and overindulgent days of the Christmas season and do a lifestyle 180 a mere week later. For me, the beginning of a new school year feels more like a fresh start than January – perhaps because September isn't just another date on the calendar, but truly the beginning of something new and exciting.

That being said, I've thought carefully about the things I can change in the upcoming school year. As much as I want to be perfect in meeting my goals, I'll still give myself grace and be realistic about what I can accomplish during the stress of the semester. All nine resolutions stem from habits/patterns I've noticed of myself over the last two years at least – and many of them go back farther.

Eat healthy.

This one sounds incredibly cliché, but it really is true. I'm in love with all things sugary and carb-filled, from ice cream to bread to pasta. And while I don't want to beat myself up when my eating isn't perfect, or when I enjoy that occasional trip to Olive Garden or Baskin Robbins, I sincerely want to improve my eating habits overall. Even if it's just eating smaller quantities or going some days without dessert, I hope I'll feel so much better physically if I take whatever small steps I can to improve.

Exercise more often.

This one too is typical of many New Year's resolutions lists – but as with food, I'm trying to be realistic. I know I won't become a fitness guru overnight, but I want to find more ways to get away from my desk for a bit and just move. Whether it's jogging around campus, attending a group exercise class, or going for a hike, I hope that exercising will clear my head and help me feel refreshed instead of sluggish.

Go to bed at a reasonable hour.

While we're on the subject of health, this summer has taught me the value of quality sleep. Due to my very early work schedule, I've had to reset my sleep schedule, and I now regularly go to bed at 10 p.m. on nights before I work – and oftentimes, even before my off days. Now, the mere thought of staying up until the wee hours of the morning working on assignments absolutely crushes me – I'm not sure it's even possible. Although I'm sure that some late nights are unavoidable, I want to get my work done earlier in the day as much as possible, so I can allow my body the sleep it needs.

Go to more campus activities/events.

Not that I've been a recluse all this time – far from it, actually. But now that I'm entering the second half of my time at Liberty, I've realized there are still so many things on campus I haven't tried yet or that I want to do again. Football games. Hikes. Bowling. Baseball games. Christmas Coffeehouse. Even though my schoolwork will remain a top priority, I still want to make time for fun, relaxing activities like these, either by myself or with friends.

Do some recreational reading.

Like most college students (and as an English major), I already have a ton of reading to complete for my classes each week. Most days, it's simply impossible to squeeze in pleasure reading, as much as I'd love to. However, I want to make a point of doing at least some reading for fun, even if it's only one book per semester. Reading has always been one of my greatest loves, and I don't want to wait until next summer to dive into my next sci-fi or Tolkien book.

Walk – don't take the bus.

Like many Liberty students, I feel incredibly fortunate that we have a campus-wide bus system. When you need to make it across campus in 10 minutes, the bus can be the only thing that saves you. But while I probably won't give up riding the bus completely, I want to leave myself time to walk to my destinations as often as I can. I thoroughly enjoy walking and taking in the sights and sounds of campus, and it gives me more chances to exercise on days when I can't do a proper workout.

Create a room aesthetic.

I really want to make an effort to showcase my style in my dorm room this year. I know it's only a temporary living space, but I want it to be cozy and pretty.

Budget my time properly.

This year promises to be a busy one. I'll be working at Chick-fil-A, taking five classes per semester, completing community service, editing for Odyssey, submitting a thesis proposal, and participating in an honor society. As long as I manage my time well and prioritize what needs to get done, I can hopefully avoid any unnecessary stress. And furthermore, I can fulfill my responsibilities while still leaving room for fun.

You don't have to wait until January to start making new (and improved) lifestyle choices. Be realistic, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself to grow. September can be your fresh start – as I'm hoping it will be mine.