The first month of 2018 is over. Now with a show of hands, who has slowly started giving up on their New Year’s resolutions? I totally get it, me too. We all live a super busy life while at college, but that doesn’t mean we should put our personal goals off to the side. I’m all about bettering yourself as a human being, so here are some tips to help you keep those 2018 New Year’s resolutions!
1. Gym buddy
Working out is one of the most popular resolutions out there. Everyone wants to either cut those extra pounds, tone their muscles, or just feel genuinely better about themselves. The gym can be a daunting task when you’re all alone, though. Grab a friend or two and make it a routine! A gym buddy can motivate and encourage you to achieve all of your fitness goals.
2. Water bottle
I personally made a resolution to drink more water this year. Water can do so many good things for your body from keeping you hydrated to eliminating pimples. In order to keep this resolution I recommend finding a water bottle that you really like. Contigo, Nalgene, Camelbak and HydroFlask, all are good options! Make it a habit to carry it with you wherever you go, and to refill it often!
3. Read 30 minutes before bed
Another popular new year’s resolution is to read more. This can seem like a giant hassle when you have 3 papers, 2 exams and textbook readings to complete for your classes. My advice is to set aside 30 minutes before going to bed to grab a book of your choice and read. Not only are you working on your resolution, but you are also allowing your brain to decompress after a long day. Reading before bed can set you up for a nice, relaxing night. Make schedule and stick to it!
4. Involve others/Have a support system
I have found just within this first month of 2018 that it is much easier to accomplish your goals when you have someone who is like-minded and supportive around you. Maybe you decided that you want to go to every single one of your 8 a.m. classes this semester. Find someone who also wants to do this and make it a routine. This way, two (or more) people are working together towards a common goal. Accomplishing goals is much easier with others around you… unless it is a dreaded group project, of course.
5. Continue doing what makes you happy
The most important thing to remember when keeping your New Year Resolutions is to do what makes you happy. Bettering yourself should be fun as well as challenging, but if you find yourself struggling take a step back and evaluate how happy you are with what you’re doing. It’s never too late for a change!
Have a happy 2018!