As the end of January approaches, we collectively begin to discard the resolutions we promised ourselves we’d keep in 2017. Now is the perfect time to look back on the past month and see what resolutions you can actually carry into February and which ones to put back on the shelf. It is said that three weeks into the New Year is when people start to let go of their resolutions, resigning themselves to simply “trying again next year.” But it is never too late to make a change, even a small one, to positively impact your 2017 and your life. Here five suggestions to keeping your resolutions:
1. Work out
This is an obvious one, and one that people often give up on first. My suggestion is to plan out a few times a week that REALLY work for you and write them down in your agenda, Google Docs, and/or iCalendar. Treat working out as an appointment that you have with yourself, a very important one that has massive effects on your health. Working out helps reduce stress (spring semester is always the worst), boosts confidence, and generally makes you feel great!
2. Declutter
Everyone has a least a few pieces in their closet that they cannot possibly wear again but cannot bear to give away. Now is the time. The clutter is weighing you down and it’s taking up space that could be used for all of the fabulous clothing that’s sure to come out in 2017! Start by watching the documentary “Minimalism” on Netflix or by reading Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
3. Learn to relax
I have a feeling this year is only going to get more stressful as time drags on, so now is the perfect time to pick up something that really relaxes you. Try a myriad of meditation and/or yoga videos on YouTube for something new, coloring books, knitting or anything that makes you feel relaxed and at peace.
4. Start saving
Having a bit of money squirreled away at all times is such a stress reliever, not to mention great for your financial future. There are plenty of apps out there that help young people manage their finances and save a little bit too! The Digit app pulls a small amount of money from your checking account every few days, and those few dollars really add up over time! Another cool app is Acorns, with which you can invest a small amount of money into various mutual funds and watch it grow. Mint is also a great app for budget tracking and figuring out just where your money is going.
5. Put your phone down
I know it’s hard. The breadth of human knowledge is constantly at our finger tips, but sometimes you just need to put it down and breathe. Practice “no phone time” at dinner with friends, give yourself a few minutes in the morning without going straight to your email and disconnect every so often and breathe in the fresh 2017 air!
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The most important thing is that you reevaluate what you think is important going into the second month of 2017. Make reasonable goals and then make a plan to follow through with these resolutions. It is never too late to make a change!