It’s a new decade! The month of January is all about turning over a new leaf and reinventing yourself for the upcoming year. However, we hear every year about attempted New Year’s resolutions and how they inevitably fail before the calendar hits February. There are many small habits and tasks you can start in the new year that will become second nature before you even know it.
- Never Use A Plastic Bag Again
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Sustainability and low waste is something I’ve become very passionate about in the past few years, and this was once a resolution of mine. There are a million reasons why plastic bags are bad for us and the environment, and more and more cities and stores are banning them. In fact, the city of Boston has banned plastic bags to encourage bringing your own bags. At any point, I carry 1-2 reusable bags in my backpack/purse. It seems inconvenient at first, but once you make a habit of carrying them, you’ll forget what it’s like to have to ask the cashier for a bag!
- Read More
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Life gets so busy; I get it. Besides just regular academics, I (like many other students) am involved in organizations on campus and work a part-time job. Reading for pleasure is the first thing put on the backburner. However, reading is super beneficial to your overall health and well-being, and self care is crucial to surviving your college years. My best tip to incorporate more reading time is to read 10 minutes every night before bed. This allows you to wind down from the day and detox from social media for a bit. It also helps to keep your book next to your bed and your phone the farthest you can put it.
- Exercise Every Day
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I am the absolute last person that should be giving advice on exercise because I am the absolute last person to go to the gym. It seems pretty daunting to think about creating a habitual workout routine in your busy life, but that is not what I mean by exercising every day. What I mean is to make a conscious effort to get up and be active. Even just taking a 20 minute walk in the morning before class or doing a free yoga class offered at your school is super helpful. Weight loss and body image aside, being more up and active can seriously help your mental health and overall mood, so get out and get moving!
- Invest More Time In The Arts
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One of my absolute favorite parts about living in Boston is being so close to opportunities to go out and support the arts. On any given night, there are musicals, plays, art museums, concerts, or even poetry slams to attend! If you have a limited budget, there are still tons of free or discounted events you can attend, especially on your campus. Supporting the arts benefits both you and your community, so get out there and show the arts some love!