It’s the third week of January: you’ve been to the gym once and are still recovering, you can’t remember the last time you went more than 20 waking minutes without looking at your phone and have consumed upwards of four pizzas, six portions of mac and cheese and five after-night out kebabs (don’t be stingy with the garlic mayo, please!) It would be safe to say that your ambitious new year’s turn around isn’t quite going to plan.
It’s nothing to be ashamed of. A commonly cited statistic claims that only 8% of those who make resolutions actually stick to them. For many, the first day of January signifies a new start – the perfect time to start afresh! However, the swift change in lifestyle means it is not surprising that so many people stray from their well-intended goals.
Go to the gym 4 or more times a week! Quit smoking! Eat healthy! Give up alcohol! Lose 20 pounds! Don’t use technology after 8pm!
It’s just not realistic. This week, opt for smaller alterations – you’re much more likely to succeed and perhaps work your way up to some of these bigger goals. Here are some realistic mid-January resolutions to set yourself instead:
Cook for someone
It is understandable that your flat’s idea to have everyone cook for everyone else at least once a week has been a trainwreck. Diets, schedules and cooking ability all seem to get in the way. However, you shouldn’t underestimate how nice it is to share a meal with someone, be it a Michelin star-worthy homemade dish or simple and hearty chilli. So dust off the student recipe books, get your apron on and destroy your kitchen.
Try something new with your makeup
It is easy to fall into the same routine of make-up. You find a style you like, you look decent in it, it seems like a win-win. SWITCH IT UP! Try a bold red lip, dramatic brows or flashy glitter eyeliner. The possibilities are endless, and because your student loan has just come in, so is your bank account: buy something out of your usual comfort zone and see how you like it. You might surprise yourself.
And take it off before you go to bed!
Raise your hand if you are guilty of forgetting or simply choosing to not remove your makeup at the end of the day.
Old habits die hand, but it’s gross and we all know it. Just take it off – save your pores and your bedding. Your skin will thank you later on.
Learn a party trick
No more burping the alphabet or attempting to lick your elbow. Old news. Teach yourself something fun to pull out of the bag at pre drinks. Forget bolting a VK in 3 seconds flat. Challenge yourself to a wine bolt-off and do that in under 10 seconds. The sky is the limit.
Disclaimer: Her Campus does not condone excessive consumption of alcohol (we will film you while you do it though)
Stop social smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the most common resolutions people make going into the new year, but more and more people are deciding to quit social smoking. In comparison to the huge lifestyle change made by regular smokers who decide to quit, the small change of removing a few cigarettes a week from your life is nothing. Do you really need that cigarette? Not really – go back inside and buy yourself a drink instead!
Make a list
Oh, the power of a list. Instead of stressing about completing all the never-ending tasks you seem to have (and inevitably procrastinating), make yourself a list of things you need to do. Include the big things and the small: you will be able to prioritise each task in relation to the others, and crossing the smaller things off the list will make those bigger things seem so much more achievable. Besides, is there really anything better than that crossing-off feeling? I have known someone to be so addicted to this process that she made a list of all her lists. Reach for the stars.
Try a different drink
Double vodka and coke, jägerbomb or a blue VK. It’s just predictable isn’t it? Spice up your life and try something different the next time you’re having a drink. Venture beyond rose in the wine aisle or look up some fun cocktail recipes and get shaking!
2018 has well and truly begun, and it is easy to be overwhelmed by the daunting nature of the new year’s resolutions we so often make. Smaller achievements not only make you feel great but can make those bigger targets seem a lot more accessible. So, as you venture into this year, take on some of these smaller goals, or create some of your own!
As the saying goes: ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again, then sack of the resolutions until next year!’