The Christmas season has wrapped up (pun unintended), and the next winter holiday is already upon us: New Year's Day. This is a time for a fresh start, all those days you said you'd "go to the gym tomorrow," that tomorrow can start in 2016.
Time magazine released a list of the top 10 commonly broken New Year's resolutions, and this pretty much stays consistent every single year. Well, here are some ways to actually achieve these resolutions, so you don't become part of this statistic.
1. Lose weight and get fit.
Seriously, small steps equal big results. Don't expect to lose 10 pounds in one week; that's actually extremely unhealthy. The typical healthy weight to lose per week is only two pounds, and while that may seem like very little, it adds up. And don't overwork yourself when you do start going to the gym -- start out small, and know your limits. Running three miles when the last time you hit the gym was in middle school will only result in pain and embarrassment for you (sorry, but it's true). It won't happen overnight, but it will happen if you stick to it. Losing weight is not a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change. Work out with a buddy if you want to, it really does help with motivation and accountability!
2. Quit smoking.
Every smoker has at least one family member who tries to get them to quit smoking every single year. It's not to be rude or to annoy you -- it's because they care. I'm not going to spew facts and statistics at you about how "smoking kills" or your reduced life expectancy, because you probably have heard all of that enough times. But think about the people you love, because they want to have you around for awhile, and smoking is going to hurt you eventually. Also, think about how much money you'll save! Try nicotine patches, e-cigs, Nicorette gum, or all of the above. There are plenty of ways to quit smoking, you just have to take that first step and try.
3. Learn something new.
Most people are prone to routine, and that's OK. I know I am. But if you've been wanting to pick up that dusty guitar in the corner of your garage or buy that Rosetta Stone set you always see commercials for, DO IT. Now is as good of a time as any, and you can mark that off your list as the first New Year's resolution you completed. Go skydiving or rock climbing. Learn how to sing, even if you aren't the next Adele. Again, you can take a friend with you to do this new thing, which always makes everything more enjoyable.
4. Eat healthier and diet.
This kind of goes along with number two, but it's a lifestyle change. Stop going out to Whataburger or Chick-Fil-A for every meal, despite how fast, easy, and cheap it may be. You'll not only save money, but save your arteries, too. There are some pretty healthy foods that aren't awful for you, either. Google some new recipes -- maybe your significant other will cook with you, too.
5. Get out of debt and save money.
Stop shopping just because there's a sale, and stop eating out when you know you have food at home. Learn how to say no when your friends want to go out, or offer a healthier (and cheaper) alternative -- invite them over and cook for them. Make it BYOB (if you're old enough, of course) or have them each bring a dish to eat. It's also much more fun than going out to the same restaurants over and over again!
6. Spend more time with family.
Learning how to say no is important with this resolution, too. Instead of a night out with your friends, opt out and stay in with your family. Or if you're away at college, make plans to go home (if possible) for a weekend every so often. Family is forever, and you don't want to look back and wish you saw them more.
7. Travel to new places.
This one can get expensive if you're meaning to travel around the world (which is totally awesome, more power to you). But if you're trying to save money (see resolution number five), travel to places near your town, or even in your town! There are probably a lot of hole-in-the-wall places you never even knew existed, and bring a friend or two for a little adventure. You can even travel to one of those tiny towns on the outskirts of your city and stop at a local diner for a quick bite to eat. Totally counts as traveling in my book!
8. Be less stressed.
This is pretty much a cumulation of other resolutions. If you're saving money, eating better, working out more, and spending more time with family/friends, you'll be a happier and more stress-free person. Find time to relax and do whatever it is that makes you happy, whether it's watching Netflix, curling up with a good book, shopping, or even sleeping, it doesn't matter. Make time for a little de-stressing, because your mental health is more important than you realize.
9. Volunteer.
Grab a friend, fraternity brother, sorority sister, boyfriend, girlfriend, whatever, and go help out at a local shelter. Humane societies and homeless shelters can almost always use volunteers, so ditch the bars one Saturday and go feed the homeless, or walk some cute little puppies. You'll feel much better about yourself and you'll make someone's day, too. Volunteering can even be monetary or material donations, if you can't spare any time -- donate some old clothes or those kid's toys you know you'll never touch again.
10. Drink less.
You don't have to put the bottle down -- just opt for a different one. Grab a cold one, and by that I meant a water bottle. A 24-pack of Ozarka water bottles are what, like, $3? That's much cheaper than a six-pack of beer, so save your liver and your wallet. I'm not saying to quit drinking altogether (unless that needs to happen, which is another story in itself), but maybe just a glass of wine a day instead of an entire bottle will suffice.
