As we step into 2024, many of us are trying to stick to our New Year’s resolutions—some are realistic, while others seem impossible. If you’re like me, it’s so easy to get sucked into the black hole of social media that’s brimming with wellness advice from unqualified influencers. Maybe you’ve already made your New Year’s resolutions and are looking to trade some out, or you’re just late to making your resolutions and looking for inspiration. If you want some realistic resolutions for 2024, here are my top five “ins” as a college student this year!
1. Prioritizing Sleep
College students are notorious for not getting enough sleep, but getting enough rest every night can truly alter your daily life. Before getting enough sleep, I always felt sluggish and found it hard to be completely present, no matter the circumstances. This year, I’ve made it a goal to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, which is realistic since I used to sleep for six to seven hours. If eight hours each night is less realistic for you, try to start by sleeping for at least an hour longer each night and build on from there. Although it may seem like a lot of work, your future self will thank you for resting enough!
2. Practicing Gratefulness
In the winter, the cold weather and shorter periods of daylight are not always the best for your mood. Before the new year began, I felt a little gloomy with the repetitive weather, so I decided to do something about it. Obviously, it’s okay to experience sadness when needed, but I know I get caught up in the gloom sometimes, which made me start listing between three and five things I’m grateful for daily. As soon as I remember what I should be thankful for, I get out of that unwanted funk!
3. Integrating movement into my week
During my first winter at OSU, I realized I was moving around a lot less since my source of movement when it is warmer is going on walks. As the semester progressed, I noticed that this lack of movement was impacting my mental wellness, so I decided to make a change. I am no fitness guru, but I have made it a goal to incorporate at least 150 to 200 minutes of movement into my week. Whether cycling, lifting weights, doing yoga or walking, any form of movement is guaranteed to help clear your mind and remind yourself that your body is the vessel that gets you through daily life. I personally recommend finding an exercise partner to become more motivated to take care of yourself!
4. Reading More
As the new year began, I noticed more friends seemed to have picked up reading, and it’s safe to say that my friends have healthily influenced me to pick up reading again! My goal is to read at least one book each month, which is pretty realistic for me since I read in the morning, before I go to sleep, whenever I find myself on my phone for too long and whenever I have leisure time. Currently, I am reading “Happy Place” by Emily Henry—one of my favorite romance novel authors—and I cannot recommend the book (and the author) enough! If you’re thinking of picking up a book this month, my advice is to read a book that doesn’t make you exert too much mental energy so you can catch a break from reading complicated academic articles!
5. Using less technology
Over winter break, I always seem to use technology more than I do during the academic year, which makes me want to use technology less overall; however, I never seem to form a plan to accomplish this goal of mine. What’s great about 2024, though, is that it is the year that I have decided to take action! At night, I charge my phone away from my bed so it is not the first and last thing I look at during my day. When tempted to check my phone while working on something, I make myself focus on my task for at least 30 minutes before picking up my phone. Additionally, I’m a person who loves quality time, so whenever I’m with friends, family or my significant other, I make sure to put my phone away so I can actively engage in interacting with those important to me!