As the end of January quickly approaches and the hectic first few weeks of classes comes to a close, you may find yourself forgetting those resolutions you made to yourself only a few short weeks ago. Luckily, the most common resolutions can easily be tweaked to fit into your busy schedule here at school! Here are our top five resolutions you can actually keep this school year!
1. Go to Class – Seems simple enough, right? Attending all your classes is something that everyone should aim for, but once the semester gets into full swing you may start to neglect getting up to go to class and start favoring Netflix in your bed instead. Actually going to your classes is a huge step to improving your GPA; not only will you get points for attendance (if the professor takes attendance), but taking notes and just listening to lectures will improve the likelihood of performing better on your tests. Need some motivation? Keep track of the classes you go to and reward yourself periodically, or if you go to all of them treat yourself with something great, like a new purse or pair of shoes, at the end of the semester.
2. Hit the Gym – Even if it’s only a few times a week, getting some exercise will not only make you feel better physically, but can also reduce stress and help with your concentration. Not into just running on the treadmill? The Rec Center has so many awesome classes that you can take for free, whether it’s spinning, zumba, yoga, or whatever you’re into, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Plus, having an instructor motivating can help tremendously. Also, classes are a great activity to do with your friends. So next time you’re sitting around with nothing to do, check the Rec class schedule and head to the gym!
3. Make Healthier Choices at the DC – Yes, the smell of Berk’s French fries is extremely tempting, as is anything offered at late night, but there are plenty of healthy options at each DC that are just as tasty and way better for you. Even making small changes in your diet can help you stay not only fit, but feeling better. Try a salad with chicken or tofu (for those vegetarians out there) before lunch or dinner to fill you up with vitamins, fiber and protein, it will help you to eat less unhealthy options, but still let you have a little for taste. The key to healthy eating is all about moderating the less healthy foods you love. Try eating a big, healthy breakfast with lots of protein, like eggs and whole-wheat toast with a fruit cup, and you’ll be less hungry throughout the day and more likely to stay on the healthy track.
4. Study in Advance – Stop pulling all-night cramming sessions and start studying for tests earlier on. Not only will this help you perform better on exams, but also it will lower your stress and help your overall GPA tremendously. An easy way to do this is by reviewing your notes everyday after class and making corresponding flash cards, and then review them all before each class. This way when it comes time to start studying for your exam you’ll be way more prepared and ahead of the game. Reviewing your notes ahead of time also gives you the opportunity to go to your professor’s office hours if you have any confusion – which impresses professors – especially in a huge lecture-style class. Stay organized and on top of things and it will really show!
5. Have a Good Time! (While Staying Balanced) – Ever heard of the Three S’s? Sleep, school and social – in that order. These are the three biggest components of every Collegiette’s time here at school; they represent taking care of yourself, doing well in school and maintaining your social life. Although the Three S’s are all really important to getting the most out of your college career, they’re in a specific order because if you take them of out order you won’t be able to balance all three. Think about it – pulling all-nighters to study messes up your sleep schedule and makes you feel terrible and neglecting your school work for your social life will really put you behind and hurt your GPA. Although going out is a huge part of the college experience, it’s important to do so responsibly so you can still maintain your health and your grades. So get enough sleep, eat good meals, go to class, do your homework and then go out and have the time of your life. Remembering the Three S’s is the best way to make the most out of your time here at school!
Good luck keeping up with your resolutions, Collegiettes!