If you’re anything like everyone else on the planet, then you probably have the same couple of New Years resolutions on your list every year. Exercise, save money and be a better person. These broad, over generalized resolutions are always difficult to achieve and actually follow through with.
I’ve come up with the things I’m going to try to do more and less of. They aren’t terribly difficult and you’ll find that most of these still fall under the exercise, save money and be a better person resolutions.
Stop buying coffee out. It wastes money and calories! A grande peppermint mocha from Starbucks is upwards of $4 and has 360 calories. Buying coffee even just three days a week will cost you $12. If you have a Keurig, you can buy a box of keurig coffee cups with 18 cups in it for only $10. All of the Keurig cups I’ve purchased have had around 60 calories per cup. And don’t give up hope if you don’t have a Keurig – these numbers don’t shift very much with a regular bag and serving of coffee.
Sign up for half marathon. Getting in shape is probably the most popular new years resolution every single year. But by signing up for a half marathon (or a 5k—or even a full marathon if you’re feeling adventurous), you are giving yourself a strict goal that you need and want to work toward. The Eugene Marathon is the weekend of May 9-10 and there is still room to sign up! It’s about $70, and once you spend that money you really won’t want to back out. There are a ton of prep programs online for 12 or 16 weeks, depending upon your experience level.
Write in a journal once a day. It can be three pages or three words, but writing in a journal helps to clear your mind, reminds you of great things that happened, and creates a safe space for you to get things off your chest. Think of how awesome it will be to open that journal up in 2016 and remember all of the little things that made you smile on one ordinary day.
Go to the farmers market more. We were all forced to watch Food Inc. (or did it on our own free will), so we know that buying fruits and vegetables outside of season probably means they have been stuffed and sprayed with chemicals. Buying from your farmers market ensures that you’re supporting local farmers and businesses, but you’re also getting fresh and flavorful food.
Actually go to office hours. Especially for seniors — we’re going to need those letters of recommendation and we can’t rely on those professors who have no idea who we are. But even more than that, going in to office hours can spark really interesting conversations. It’s amazing how much more you can learn from your professors when you spend time outside of lecture actually getting to know them. Novel idea, I know.
Being a nicer person seems to be the most difficult resolution to come up with tangible goals for. But for starters, you can let stuff go. Still mad at Jessica for the way she wronged you when you were sophomores in high school? Let it go. Did your brother sneeze on your birthday cake when you were seven? Hand him a tissue and let it go.
Volunteer more. The Eugene Mission is always looking for people to come and lend a helping hand. People aren’t your thing? S.A.R.A’s (Shelter Animal Resource Alliance) also provides awesome volunteer opportunities. Volunteers make the world go round, and chances are you’ll feel really great when giving up your time to help others.
Presume positive intent. Instead of thinking everyone is out to get you or has made it their sole mission in life to ruin your day, assume that people might have more going on and need a little compassion on your end. When someone takes your parking space, or cuts you off – realize that they might be late for a test or work. When your friend snaps at you, think about the possibility that they may be having money issues or got in a fight with their parents. A little compassion and understanding goes a long way.
There are a ton of ways to be healthier, save money and be a better person. Hopefully this list enabled you to think about the ways in which you can improve your life – and the lives of those around you.
Follow Bayley Sandy on Twitter at @BayleyJSandy