New Year's, the time for us to make resolutions that we know we'll only keep for a couple weeks. The first month of the year always feels like an accomplishment, until the slushy dreariness of February comes around and all we want to do is stay inside and dream of warm beaches. It seems that the majority of New Year's Resolutions revolve around fitness and eating healthy, but what I don't understand is why we neglect other aspects of our health, mental and emotional. Here are 5 resolutions that I'm making this year that are easy to keep up with and are beneficial to my mental clarity.
1. Meditate
Over the summer, I would meditate for 5-10 minutes every night before I went to sleep. Since I got back to school, I've neglected this practice, but it seems like the perfect time to start doing it again. The goal of meditation is to quiet your mind and give yourself some love. When I meditate, I count my breath. I inhale for 8 seconds, hold for 8 seconds, and release for 8 seconds. After a few minutes when I'm in a rhythm, I start feeling my pulse. This is a great way to stay in tune to your body and connected with yourself mentally.
2. Compliment Yourself
It seems that having self confidence makes you arrogant and having no self confidence makes you seem insecure. I don't know why having confidence in yourself is seen as such a bad thing, but this year learn to really love yourself. Even if you're having a bad hair day, tell yourself that you look AMAZING in that pair of jeans. Why wouldn't you want to love yourself?
3. Smile
It's easy to walk across campus with "resting-bitch-face" and be totally anti-social, but this just makes you look mean and unapproachable. It might feel funny, but walk around with a smile on your face and just wait and see how that changes how people act around you! You could be making someone's day with just acknowledging them.
4. Chill with the Social Media
Our phones are attached to us 24/7. Do you have any idea how much we are missing by constantly being connected to the wifi? Put the phones down and really observe your surroundings when you're walking to class or studying at the library. Plus, social media doesn't always boost you up. One upsetting post can ruin your entire day. Also try to refrain from being on social media right before bed. This will help you sleep better!
5. Go to bed earlier
I know this seems like a foreign concept with being in college and all...but it is such a good idea! The funny thing is, when I am at home for a weekend or for breaks, I am in bed by 9:00. At school I typically go to bed around 10:30-11. Guess when I'm in a better mood? When I go to bed earlier! This makes me wake up earlier and get more done in the day!
Let's tackle these New Year's Resolutions!
