You’ve definitely found yourself on the “New year, new me!” bandwagon at least once in your lifetime. But, how often have you actually made an effort to change your lifestyle?
With January quickly approaching, now is the time to pack up all the excess in your life and leave it behind. Starting in 2016, don’t just commit to a New Year’s resolution, but commit to taking your life back––for the better. Need somewhere to start? Read below for nine ways to take your life back in the new year.
1. Join a gym
The benefits of exercise have been proven time and time again, so you should start listening! This January, put going to the gym on the top of your list. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Hilary Katz, MSW, LCSW, a Clinical Social Worker at Equilibria PCS, highlights the importance of exercise. “For starters, exercise releases feel-good chemicals, can be calming and increases self-esteem,” she says. “In addition to feeling better physically and emotionally, [going to the gym] can provide social opportunities.”
Looking for a way to motivate yourself to use the gym in 2016? Make it a part of your daily schedule as if it’s one of your classes. This is an effective way to stick with it. The more you go, the more you’ll WANT to go! You’ll see results in no time.
2. Leave behind toxic relationships
Sometimes, you may find yourself stuck in a toxic relationship without even realizing it––whether it be with a friend, significant other or family member. Do you consistently compromise yourself, your well-being or your values for someone else? You’re probably in a toxic relationship––one that you should leave in 2015.
“The longer you stay in a toxic relationship, the farther you are from being with the right person,” Hilary says. “The healthier you are, the healthier your partner is! Be your own primary source of self-esteem––partners are bonuses and celebrate what we already love about ourselves!”
Walking away can be hard, but you must remember your value. You deserve happiness, and holding onto a toxic relationship prevents personal growth. Additionally, removing the wrong people from your life allows room for the right people to come into it. A new year is the perfect time to build new relationships.
3. Pay more attention
In the digital age, it has become increasingly easy to only focus on ourselves. In 2016, don’t forget to pay attention to those closest to you!
Tasfia Azim, a sophomore at Northwestern University, knew that during high school she had a bad habit of directing conversations back to herself. So, in 2015, she took it upon herself to ask others more about their lives. “The habit change was subtle, but I knew it made a difference in my relationships with other people,” says Tasfia. “I learned more about my friends’ lives and they confide in me more [now].”
4. Change your diet
Changing your diet can completely change your life. However, many people have trouble successfully making a difference, because they try to do a complete diet overhaul overnight. We recommend taking small steps, and cutting out one thing at a time.
Diet is extremely important for your psychological health. “There is some truth to “we are what we eat”,” Hilary says. “Diet can impact physiological and emotional changes in our bodies, so it is important to be eating enough of something and to recognize when we are eating too much of something as well!”
Be patient! Whether you’re cutting out sweets, bread, meat, dairy or anything else, it can take several weeks before you––and your body––are comfortable with your new eating habits.
5. Find a new hobby
It’s never too late to take up a new hobby, so why not tap into those hidden passions in the new year? Hobbies allow you to explore your interests outside of your immediate life. If you need somewhere to start, try building on your current interests and pay attention to what excites you.
Another great way to find a new hobby in 2016 is to start saying “yes” more! Don’t be afraid to accept an offer that you would normally turn down. You never know––you could be changing your life forever.
Related: 10 Goals All Girls Should Have in College
6. Make a list of your short-term #goals
Making a list of your short-term goals is a great way to change your whole mindset! By focusing your time and energy on things that are attainable in the near future, you will find yourself more motivated to accomplish them.
Chelsea Schroeder, a freshman at Bowling Green State University, says that she dedicated 2015 to achieving her goals for the year. “I decided that I would start to work harder and not spend time slacking,” says Chelsea. “Now, I couldn’t thank myself more with the success it has come with, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!”
7. Limit your cell phone use
In 2016, take a break from your need to check in on your social media accounts every five minutes. Not only will you feel less anxious, but you will also get to know yourself––the real you––better. Need some tips to get started? Keep your phone off during meals, stop using it at least two hours before you go to bed and leave it at home when you go out with friends.
Additionally, stop reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up. Take the first half hour of your day to wake up, refresh yourself, stretch and eat a healthy breakfast.
8. Get more sleep
Let’s face it: we could all use more sleep in the new year. While breaking any habit can be hard, especially your less-than-stellar sleeping habits, there are certain ways to improve your current behavior. The first step? Make a conscious effort to get more sleep each night.
Hilary recommends making your bedroom a cozy sanctuary and avoiding doing any work in it. “Sleep is important, like exercise and diet, because it helps our bodies and minds function! Sleep deprivation can increase agitation, depression, anxiety and overall ability to function. Getting cozy and catching a good amount of zzzs is also an important message to yourself that says, ‘You deserve to experience peace and calm.'”
9. Prioritize yourself
In 2016, put yourself first. When you care for yourself deeply, you are unwilling to compromise your happiness. Moreover, you will only allow things into your life that benefit you and you will only allow yourself to be treated with respect.
“While treating others the way you want to be treated makes a world of sense, so does treating YOURSELF the way you want to be treated,” Hilary says. “We are what we think––no one else has the power to determine ultimately how you feel about yourself except for you.”
People may call this selfish, but it is actually the opposite. When you are full of love, it becomes easier to give love to others. Make 2016 the year you love yourself––unconditionally, that is.
Related: 9 Ways to Make Yourself Happier
With New Year’s quickly approaching, make a vow to yourself that 2016 will be the year you take your life back. Trust us, collegiettes––in 12 months’ time, you will be more than thankful that you did.