A new year, a new me

Whether you have New Year’s resolutions or not, it’s nice to kick off the year with strong ambitions and goals

(Kristen Frier)

Even though 2020 was not everyone’s ideal year, now is the perfect time to get your priorities in order to set yourself up for success in 2021. If you’re feeling lost on what goals to set yourself, check out these resolution ideas to see what might fit you best.

The holidays can be a tricky time for healthy eating, with all the tempting goodies and alcohol surrounding the season. January is an ideal time to kick off healthy eating to let our bodies feel at best. Try eating a more whole-foods focused diet to incorporate better nutrients to fuel your body efficiently.

Obtaining the motivation to get active can be challenging, but start off easy by setting realistic goals to live a sportier lifestyle. Gyms are not the safest environment to be in, for the time being, so try moving your body at home by following a large selection of online workouts — there are lots on Youtube.

Daily gratitude is a really positive way to feel thankful for what you have in your life. Get in the swing of participating in daily journaling and list whatever you feel grateful for each day as a reminder to yourself.

Stretching is a healthy habit for your mind and body. Start your day with gentle stretches or yoga to achieve a further clear head and flexible body in this new year.

Do art projects, as is a great way to spend any extra time you may have this year. Purchase some new art supplies and allow yourself to open up the creative side of your brain, which always needs further exploration.

Get creative in the kitchen. Social media can be a great way to find new recipes that need a little extra tending. Push yourself to try new foods and cooking techniques by making some delicious, healthy recipes.

Saving money is difficult around the holiday season. Bank accounts are hurting, so take some time this new year to focus on spending less. A great way to do so can be by tracking your weekly spending. This practice can allow you to visualize where you need to spend less of your earnings.

Online classes mean a major increase in screen time, which is not the healthiest for our brains or eyes. Practice spending less time on your phone and more time in touch with reality. Monitor your screen time easily through the settings of your phone.

This year, make it a goal to try new restaurants and support your local businesses. The pandemic has caused smaller businesses to lose money, so give your funds to those in need of it.

Drink more water and less caffeine. Water hydrates your mind and body, among many other benefits for your health, while caffeine on the other hand can be detrimental to those things. Focus on keeping a water bottle beside you while participating in classes, and reach for hydration rather than caffeine this semester.