With the first month of 2024 coming to an end, sticking to New Year’s Resolutions can feel close to impossible. If these commitments toward bettering yourself are starting to feel overwhelming, adopting some basic self-improvement habits might be beneficial and help guide you towards more ambitious goals.
Here are my five self-improvement tips for surviving college in Winter 2024:
Keep a Gratitude Journal!
As my mom continues to remind me, practicing gratitude can have a positive effect on one’s overall well-being. According to Harvard Health, psychological research has found gratitude to be associated with greater levels of happiness. Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple way to do so and there are many prompts circulating online that can help you get into this practice. A prompt that I like to start with is “Name 10 Things That Make Me Smile.” Alongside being a tool for self-reflection and healing, keeping a gratitude journal can provide structure to your day-to-day routine, and act as a tool for putting things into perspective. Plus, it is a perfect excuse to buy a cute new journal!
Join a Club!
There are so many benefits of joining a club or student organization on campus. By doing so, you can not only enhance your resume but also open doors to making new friends. In addition, clubs can be a perfect resource in developing an idea of what type of career you hope to pursue. Participation can provide valuable networking opportunities that can open doors to mentorship and career connections. If you are having trouble finding the right group for you, I recommend using the link above to search Cal Poly organizations and clubs that align with your passions. Her Campus is a great place to start if you are interested in journalism, marketing, media and so much more! I also recommend checking out Cal Poly Surfrider– a group of students dedicated to protecting the ocean through a variety of programs including beach cleanups, and educational outreach. Joining a club can not only enhance your college experience but also offers advantages toward resume refinement.
Read for Pleasure!
With the constant workload that comes with being a college student, it is crucial to maintain balance between school and play. Reading can serve as a stress-free escape and a healthy form of entertainment. Sofia Moretti, second year Graphic Communications Major reads for pleasure because, “It helps me take my mind away from stressful thoughts. When I read before bed it also helps me fall asleep way faster.” From BookTok to Goodreads, there are many ways to find your next form of escapism from academic pressures. A fun activity is to check out a local bookstore such as Phoenix Books and browse their extensive selection of pre-loved books. I also highly recommend reading “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See, a coming-of-age epic and my all-time favorite novel.
Pay it Forward!
In the times when it is too difficult to focus on your own personal development, it is always a good idea to redirect that energy and help others in your community. Here in SLO there is a multitude of volunteering opportunities such as through the Center for Service in Action. They even have a Volunteer Matchmaking program where you can get connected with volunteer opportunities that reflect your own personal interests. Many studies have shown that volunteering can bring a newfound purpose to your life, as well as increase overall happiness. Even if you don’t find as successful results, your service is likely to have a positive impact on your community. These actions can take many forms and the simple act of trying to make someone’s day or giving a compliment can go a long way.
Find A New Recipe!
Some say “Food is Fuel” but as the weather gets colder and the pressures of school amplify, I like to amend this saying to “Comfort Food is Key.” Finding recipes that are healthy, easy and enjoyable to create can serve as a way to de-stress while also providing you with some warmth during the colder months. I find recipe inspiration on a variety of platforms including Pinterest, Trader Joe’s Recipe Tab, or even by asking friends for their favorite recipes. Stay tuned for a new column where I will share some of my favorite meals and tricks for cooking on a budget in college.
In reality, it is a lot easier to say that you will pick up five new habits in the new year and become an improved, healthier version of yourself. Instead of applying all of these suggestions at once, I recommend choosing one or two new habits that you can commit to for a couple weeks as a starting point. Once you have successfully adapted these tips as part of your routine, you can choose to gradually introduce more! Approaching new habits in increments can increase the likelihood of successfully incorporating positive changes in your life without feeling overwhelmed. If anything, try to remember that taking a small step toward self-love and improvement can result in lasting transformations.