With the start of a new year comes “new year, new me” posts and of course the famous lists of goals people want to accomplish by the end of the year: resolutions. While this is great, don’t only wait until the calendar changes to a new number to set goals for yourself; goal setting should be a continuous interest. However, there are always things to work on and keep in mind. Make 2019 your best year yet and add some of these to your list.
- Try to stay positive
This is something that is always difficult to do. When the tests, papers, assignments and deadlines come piling in, caving in on you, when you get rejection letter after rejection letter from internship or job applications or when you get bad news, it gets difficult to stay positive. However, staying calm and positive is what will get you through things. It will keep your mind in a safe place, at ease and keep you motivated. Plus, you get back what you put out. Staying positive will put out good vibes and eventually come right back to you.
2. Cut toxic people out of your life
In 2019, assess who has really been there for you within the last few months. Fake friends, or people who only show up when you ask them to or have something to offer, have no place in your life. The same thing goes for people who bring no positivity into your routine. If someone is constantly putting you down, walking all over you or treating you like they are superior to you, you don’t need that person. It’s not good for your mental health to have them in your life.
3. Exercise more
As college students, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember to exercise or find the time to. Exercising is healthy and leaves you feeling good, so it’s something you shouldn’t easily overlook. You don’t have to go to the gym every day if that’s not your pace, but even just taking the stairs up those 5 flights for a business class in Straz Hall can make a difference. A 2017 study in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that tired women who climbed stairs for 10 minutes got a bigger energy boost than those who had the caffeine equivalent of a can of soda or half a cup of coffee. So get that energy boost and burn some calories!
4. Try a new hobby
College is the time to explore your options and figure out what you like. Maybe you’ve gone 18-22 years without ever rock climbing, but think maybe now could be the time to try. So do it! Sign up for tai chi, Pilates, painting classes, attend a ballet, try a new cuisine of food or take cooking classes. The possibilities are endless, and you’re most likely in a city you don’t know quite everything about, so why not explore new places in Milwaukee and learn some things about yourself? Who knows, you may have a hidden talent.
5. Remember to stay thankful
In the midst of stress, it can be hard to remember that there is also lots to be thankful for as college students. You are able to get an education in preparation for your future career, among countless numbers of great people who love and care for you. This won’t always be the case. Especially for the graduating seniors, remember to take time to reflect from time to time to enjoy every little moment. Enjoy the late nights sitting and talking with your roommates, enjoy being able to walk a couple blocks and see your friends, enjoy the new things you are learning in your classes. These are the last years you will be able to do activities like these, so savor them while you still can.