It’s that time of the year again where you are supposed to be re-inventing yourself, making drastic changes, losing weight, getting organized, and other seemingly far-fetched goals you never seem to actually complete. And I don’t blame you—in 365 days, there are bound to be slip-ups (and slip-ups turns into never getting back on track really fast). Personally, I’ve never been one to believe in that magical overnight change, and if you’re anything like me, you know the true secret to a good resolution is a well-thought-out and realistic plan. For example, setting a goal you can actually reach! This year is going to be different. Here are five realistic New Year’s Resolutions you can actually keep and feel good about.
Put Social Media on Hold
I’m guilty of scrolling through instagram or twitter for way too long, so much so that when I do tear my face away from my smartphone whatever conversation, or activity I was originally apart of has changed its course, and I am left in its dust. But baby steps can help to change this. Leave your phone downstairs when you go to bed, or at the very least put it on airplane mode so you’re not tempted to stay up late scrolling through the never ending social media feed. Or you can use the Screen Time function (ios only but there are android apps which do the same thing) and set how many hours a day you are allowed to be on your social media, once your time is up its blocks you out of using specific apps. Think of how productive you’ll be without all that procrastinating.
Say Yes to Trying Something New
It can be scary, and intimidating trying something totally new, and if you’re like me you get stuck in routine pretty easily. So again start small. This can be anything from trying a different dish at your favourite restaurant, or reading a book you normally wouldn’t be interested in. By starting to say “Yes” to trying something new, you open yourself up to the world more, and who knows maybe you’ll find a new passion or make new friends.
Find at Least One Positive Thing a Day
January is considered one of the saddest months of the year, and that’s not an easy way to welcome the new year. So everyday, no matter how crappy or exhilarating it was, find at least one thing that was positive. This can be anything from getting to wear your favourite pair of socks to having an amazing night on the town. Recognizing the goodness that is around you not only can make you feel better, but it can also improve the way you see the world around you. It can also help you during those days of high stress or depression, as it can remind you that not everything is as bad as it seems.
Save Money
Yes, we could all be a bit more financially frugal, that’s a no-brainer. If it was that easy though we’d all have a nice little cushion hanging out in our savings account. This year though, rather than stressing over creating a yearly savings plan or pinching your pennies to the extreme, find an empty jar and start putting your loose change in it (personally I use an old pickle jar). Every time you come home and change your clothes throw whatever coins that are in your pockets into that jar. Or if you use your credit/debit card more than cash, talk to your bank about setting up automatic withdrawals where every time you spend a specific amount of money one or two dollars is automatically transferred into your savings account. Once the jar fills up, or once your savings has a bit more cushion to it and go treat yo self– frugally.
Talk to Those That Matter
Have you ever scrolled through your newsfeed, saw a picture of a friend from back home, and smiled? What did you do in that moment? Sure, you may have given their latest post a thumbs up or a like, but why not go a step beyond that? You’re so focused on your day-to-day that it can be hard to catch up with old friends and family members. Next time that random thought about someone crosses your mind send them a quick text. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy letter, and could be as simple as, “You were on my mind, hope you’re doing well.” And building off that last point when was the last time you talked to mom or dad? It’s true that every relationship is different, and for some students going to college is actually a chance to get away from family. If you are in a position though where you can reach out to your family every so often, then you should. Consider setting 15 minutes aside to talk to your parents (or whoever you consider family) on the phone. Sure you could text or email or Facebook message, but trust us, a phone call would make them happiest, and it will probably make you feel better too.
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