Whether or not you believe in setting resolutions for the new year, it’s undeniable that January is ripe with possibility, productivity, and excitement. You had your fun during winter break, clocked in some solid hours on your parents couch, but deep down you were ready to return to the mighty Land O’ Lions.
Between new classes, new routines, new seasons of your favorite garbage TV shows, these first few weeks of school are the optimal time to make minor, or major changes in your life. The new year allows us to mentally start fresh, so while we have the initiative to adopt new life choices, it’s important to utilize that energy to carry out necessary changes. While we spend so much of our time stressing about school, work, the current state of our planet, it’s vital that you also take the time to check in with yourself.
Spirituality has gained significant momentum over the past year. Crystals, meditation, setting intentions, the list goes on- but the publicization of these practices means you don’t have to be a yogi to sit down and meditate. One of the most incredible changes I have observed in my own life, is taking real time to sit down and clear your mind. Starting with five minutes a day, morning or night, a simple meditation exercise has incredible results. Think of it as clearing your slate, a mindful escape from the incessant consumption of media and social interactions. There are infinite online resources now for anyone who wants to incorporate meditation into their daily lives.
Write it down my friend. Add a journal to your already massive stack of textbooks, it’s a technique to clear your mind, plan ahead, and document these hectic times. We’ve all experienced the comedy in revisiting your 6 year old diary entries, that scribbled about the latest and greatest in your elementary days. Journaling now is just as great, for memory sake, and to help unload all the information and emotion you absorbed that day. Write down your goals, your perils, your highs and lows, who knows, maybe someday you’ll turn it into a TV show.
Above all, I believe the real impetus to stay motivated, is gratitude. I don’t mean to get sappy on the internet, but gratitude is a powerful thing. LMU is a beautiful place, with endless resources and above average stir fry. If you are having a bad day, or cant find any reason to stay motivated, just take a deep breath and think of the amazing things life has thrown your way. 2017 wasn’t really anyone’s year, if we’re being honest. But 2018 has every reason to be your best year yet, why not?