We all know someone who decided to set a New Year's resolution, but wimped out halfway into January. These are some resolutions that most of us could stick with for more than two weeks.
5. Eat an apple a day.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Seriously, apples are everywhere and are pretty cheap when you buy by the pound. If you have the option, make a trip to the fruit section in the cafeteria. Instead of grabbing the extra cookie in the dining hall, pick up a delicious and healthy apple (or whatever fruit you prefer).
4. Exercise more.
This one might seem intimidating, but I promise it is not THAT bad. I am not saying vigorously exercise two hours a day; I am saying take the stairs to classes and your dorm, and walk to the Wendy's down the street instead of driving there. Also, try to hit the school rec center at least once a week for moderate exercise because you might as well get some use out of the place a small amount of your tuition is going to. This resolution will make you feel better instead of tiring you out.
3. Eat out less.
This one can be tricky for some, but do not give up hope. Instead of eating out five times a week, try eating out four times. After a few weeks subtract another trip. Slowly lessening the amount of trips to fast food restaurants will make it easier to keep. A tip: try making your own versions of fast food items at home to save money and calories.
2. Go to bed earlier.
I know most of us tend to not actually fall asleep until well after midnight on a daily basis. I mean it can be difficult because of schoolwork, part-time jobs, and friends keeping you up, but with a little planning you can start going to bed earlier each night. This is make so much easier with the iPhone update that introduced Bedtime, which alerts you when it is your scheduled bedtime. Many people have used this and various other apps with success, so give it a shot this semester.
1. Spend less money on things you do not need.
This is one that so many of us need to work on. Being broke in college is no joke. Try shopping less and do not eat out as much. Try going to the less expensive places that offer coupons and group deals. Another tip is to rent textbooks or buy them for way less from another student. Secondhand is the way to go in college. Put the money you save into a savings account so that you can use it for a study abroad trip or go with your friends to the beach for spring break. You would be surprised how much money you can save by cutting out buying on a whim.
I hope these ideas will inspire you to try to stick with a New Year's resolution.