So, it’s more than a month past the new year and you’re still pushing yourself to get to the gym five times a week, resisting every temptation to run to the store and buy a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Then in the meantime, you’re trying to convince yourself that 2014 is the year you will find yourself a boyfriend. Let’s be honest, all of the New Year’s resolutions you made are slowly turning you back into bed, with Netflix, and a giant bottle of wine and a bag of Reese’s Cups. Guess what? That’s okay! Don’t look at the new year by making so many major resolutions and changes, but instead try to improve small parts of your life and better yourself. Here are 5 things you can do that are better than sticking to any typical resolution.
1. Take a work out class
You can drag yourself to the gym four or five times a week, but come on, all you’re going to do is the same 30-minute routine on the elliptical machine. Then on a good day, maybe a few crunches on a yoga mat, but you’re really just trying to show off your new LuLuLemon athletic clothes. Sticking to the same boring routine will make it harder to drag your butt out of bed, so try switching it up. A lot of campus and community work out facilities offer different work out classes you can take. It will help you stay focused on your work out routine, for example try spending one of your gym days taking a yoga, spinning, or Zumba classes. A lot of places will offer these classes at a small price or even for free. So, grab your girlfriends and head to butts and guts to flatten that tummy and tighten that behind!
2. Pinterest meals
We all love scrolling through Pinterest for hours on end instead of writing our 8-page paper that’s due in class the next day. We’re repining cute, preppy clothes, a picture of our future dream home, and tips for the perfect diet. When it comes to trying a new diet, it can be hard to find the right one. Many require buying expensive alternatives to food and calculating everything you eat. Instead of pushing yourself into a strict new diet plan, work on preparing healthier meals. Pinterest is full of cheap, nutritious meals that you can make. This will allow you to have more options and get all of the proper nutrients you need to live a healthy life.
3. Change up your style
Whether it’s a fresh, new haircut or new clothes from a store you don’t typically shop at, changing your style can make you feel like a new and improved person.
4. Join a new group
While it’s great to always hang out with your same group of friends, don’t be afraid to branch out. If you’ve been interested in a group on campus, try checking out their meeting times and get involved! Getting involved in different organizations is a great way to build your resume, network with new people, and you never know what other new opportunities it might lead to.
5. Pamper yourself
Sometimes you just have to treat yourself. Whether it entails a massage or a mani and pedi, make sure you take time this year to reward yourself. If you’re finding yourself stressed or having a long week, make sure to set time aside for you. Everyone always needs a good spa day.
While a majority of people dread making New Year’s resolutions (because they know by the third week they will have already lost them), make small changes to your life. Instead of focusing on one major thing like working out or eating healthy, work on all aspects of your life and you will find yourself feeling more accomplished.