The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal Poly chapter.
A new year means new intentions! For everyone on TikTok, there’s a trend going around where people post their “Ins and Outs of 2024.” It’s essentially all about the energy we want to bring into 2024 and deciding which acts or mindsets will be good to us.
So, after doing some research and some thinking, I’ve created a list of my own.
IN: Printing photos & creating scrapbooks/journals.
- You never know when you could lose your digital memories! Get together with friends or roommates and create a little scrapbook to look back on when you get older, you’ll thank your future self. Plus, it’s a cute little activity to do in your spare time.
OUT: Excessive consumerism.
- We as a generation need to be more conscious of how much and where we buy things. Try to be more careful about unnecessary spending, especially concerning fast fashion.
IN: Buying things secondhand.
- Not only will buying secondhand help you save money, but you’re helping save the environment as well! I love to check out the pop-ups on Dexter lawn during the school year.
OUT: Comparing yourself to others.
- Comparison is the THIEF OF JOY. Other people can be cool and beautiful without it taking away from your own appearance and energy. Going into 2024 we are going to be kinder to ourselves and think of that sweet little four-year-old girl we once were when we look into the mirror.
IN: Journaling.
- It’s amazing how much stress relief this can offer, and it will also give you a little time capsule to read/see how much you’ve grown in the future. Try to write in it at least once a week about something positive (or negative – but try to keep the focus positive) or follow a journal prompt online.
OUT: Not keeping up with current events/situations.
- It’s so important to be aware of things going on locally and around the world. Being knowledgeable on things like climate change/the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict/the upcoming election and its candidates/etc is important, and even more so to educate others to do better as a whole.
IN: Reading before bed.
- This is one I have been trying really hard to stay consistent with myself. It is SO much better for your health and for your well-being to do something like reading before bed instead of going on TikTok until you fall asleep. Thank me later.
OUT: Feeling bad for not going out.
- Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good party or night out with friends, but it needs to be clear that staying home is okay, too! I’m working on not beating myself up if I don’t want to go out on a Friday night when my friends are, but it’s really not that big of a deal. Do what you want!
IN: Going to local coffee shops instead of chains like Starbucks.
- Support local businesses! There are lots of coffee shops in SLO to go and work or hang out at, my favorite is Nautical Bean! :)
OUT: Procrastinating.
- Let’s get it together in 2024. I’m a really bad procrastinator, so my goal for the year is to get better at it. Instead of sitting on your phone for an hour, get that assignment done!
IN: Setting BOUNDARIES!!!
- This is so incredibly important, whatever it may pertain to. Cut off your situationship if they don’t want to commit to you, let your roommate know if something they’re doing is upsetting you, tell your mom you don’t want her to play Devil’s Advocate all the time when you’re ranting about something… Set your boundaries to set yourself up for success.
OUT: Impulse purchasing / following microtrends.
- These habits cause tons of excessive waste contributing poorly to the environment, and they also fill your closet with clothes you won’t wear after a week. Try to keep your individuality instead of just going with what’s popular at the moment.
IN: Outfit repeating/building a timeless closet!!!
- Not only is it sustainable, but you will find yourself wearing better quality clothing that you love! None of that SHEIN stuff.
OUT: 30+ hours of screen time a week.
- It literally pains me to look at my screen time from winter break because it’s so high. We as a generation need to try and step away from the screens and into the real world! I know that sounds like your mom yelling at you to stop scrolling TikTok, but it’s kind of true…sit outside for a bit without your phone and you’ll probably feel better.
IN: Dinner parties.
- I think this is an awesome way to not only make friends but become closer with the ones you already have! Dinner parties are such a cute bonding moment for everyone. If you host one, you could even make it themed and have everyone bring their own dishes/drinks. :)
OUT: Vaping.
- Protect your lungs and heart!!! Who even KNOWS what kind of chemicals are in them… Let’s put down the Peach Ice Elf Bar this year.
IN: Sun protection!
- Sunscreen is so very important, no matter what some people may say. Getting a tan from a tanning bed or sitting in the sun for an entire day with no sunscreen could potentially lead to pretty dangerous results. I use sunscreen on my face every morning regardless of my plans for the day, and sunscreen on my body if I’m at the beach. Protect yourself from the harmful rays while still enjoying the sun!!!
OUT: Holding onto things that serve you no purpose anymore.
- This applies to people, tangible items, things like social media, and even concepts or sayings you once followed religiously. Discover what and who is important to you and slowly release things that aren’t. It’s crucial to pay attention to yourself and where you find it most beneficial to place your energy (it shouldn’t be going places it isn’t deserved or reciprocated).
IN: Being kind to yourself.
- Be nice to everyone, but especially yourself!!! I catch myself being so mean to myself sometimes, and what has really helped me is trying to look at myself as the little six-year-old girl I once was. Being nice to yourself also includes doing things like getting enough sleep, allowing your mind to relax by reading or watching a show, spending more time on hobbies you enjoy, drinking more water, etc. Treat yourself nicely this year and every year after that. It’s a permanent “In”.
Here’s to a year full of love, self-improvement, and peace for all.