Around the New Year, you probably came up with a New Years Resolution. Some common resolutions include wanting to be fit, to lose weight, to be happier, to get better grades. A few weeks into 2015, these goals may start quickly spiral out of control, or you feel like you can’t manage it. Here are some simple ways to cheat your new years resolution (but still feel good about it):
Resolution: To Be Fit
Being fit doesn’t necessarily require that you go to the gym. We all know how hard it is to get outside of the apartment or dorm when outside it’s 25 degrees and feels like 10. Consider trying a workout program that can be done in your room! There are plenty of workout ideas on Pinterest, or, if you’d rather stick to a personal plan, figure out your favorite exercises and do them! I personally enjoy a quick ab workout. These easy alternatives to the gym can help you feel better, and without leaving your apartment.
Resolution: To Lose Weight
Losing weight is hard. Especially in the winter, when we want to hibernate ourselves and eat feel-good snacks. Instead of going on a gross juice-cleans or taking other extremes that likely won’t make you feel any better in the day-to-day, consider swapping the unhealthy snacks you keep around with healthier, fresher options. This way, when you’re bored or stressed and need a quick snack or something to munch on, chances are you’ll choose fresh fruit instead of candy, or carrots instead of Chex Mix.
Resolution: To Be Happier
Resolutions that revolve around changing the way you feel are difficult, but they are mainly internal. You can make the decision for yourself to be a positive person. It is most definitely easier said than done, but try taking a few moments every day to remember things that you’re grateful for. Stop for a second and reflect on something other than school. There are many de-stressing apps that can be downloaded as well, if you need a quick pick-me-up when you’re in between classes.
Resolution: To Get Better Grades
Grades are dependent on lots of factors: the professor, the workload. The one thing that can be targeted is you, and how you approach each course. There are lots of resources at UVA that can help you be successful, but ultimately it depends on you to go out and find these resources and figure out what makes the most sense for you. Going out to meetings and reaching out for help can be difficult. Before you get frustrated and give up on the semester, remember that getting better grades could simply mean starting assignments earlier instead of procrastinating on assignments, taking notes for the readings, or even attending office hours.