The final days of 2021 are coming to an end. Many look back on the year either grateful or regretful. But I, for once, do not want to look back but rather, look forward to 2022 and what it will have in store for me. 

It is time to consider New Year’s Resolutions. I am not referring to the typical resolutions of losing weight, quitting smoking or eating more fruits and vegetables. 

Don’t get me wrong, diets and workouts are still on the list but we are striving for peace and happiness. I want to go deeper and explore the best resolutions for 2022, so everyone can have a safe, happy and great year all around. 

Take this time that the new year offers to build new skills and master the ones that you already have. I’ve listed some happy and healthy potential New Year’s resolutions below, and I hope that some of you reading can draw inspiration and decide what your resolutions will be for 2022. 

Read 20 Pages Every Day

Grab a new book and snuggle up with a warm blanket. Let your mind explore a different reality through fiction. Non-fiction books are also welcomed.

There is no shame in re-reading a favorite book. “The Great Gatsby” forever has my heart and will be the first book I read in 2022.  

Cook Something New Every Week

Cooking is a lifelong skill that everyone should have. Take advantage of the ability to prepare and cook your own meals. Try making healthier options by incorporating more vegetables and protein. 

Staying healthy requires a decent amount of vegetables to be consumed. Yes, they can taste bland but, if seasoned correctly, they can definitely taste delicious. 

“Good Housekeeping” has a recipe book with 85 easy recipes that can be made in 30 minutes. 

The three recipes I am eager to learn are creamy asparagus pasta, homemade mac and cheese and spinach stuffed shells. 

Commit to a Healthy Routine

A healthy routine can look different for everyone, whether it’s going to the gym, taking walks, yoga classes or pilates. Staying active and creating a healthy routine will better your body and your soul as well.  

Improve your cardio by doing the viral 12-3-30 treadmill method. Set the treadmill at a 12% incline with a speed of three mph for 30 minutes. Watch a TV show or listen to a podcast while you’re working out and burn those calories. 

Build and tone muscles with a new routine of weight lifting. Step outside your comfort zone and pick up a set of dumbbells. Make a schedule. For example, chest and triceps on Monday, legs on Tuesday, shoulders and traps on Wednesday, abs on Thursday, back and biceps on Friday. Rest on the weekend.

I am an active gym member and strength train every day. I am begging you to only commit to the gym and strength training if you have the discipline. Do not hog one machine for 20 minutes if you’re scrolling through Instagram or taking selfies on Snapchat. 

Take the Stairs

If the gym is not your thing, then taking the stairs is another easy option to help you stay fit and It will give you an energy boost before work or school. 

Stay Hydrated 

Drinking the recommended amount of water has many benefits, such as aiding digestion, stabilizing heartbeat, regulating body temperature and normalizing blood pressure. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, women should consume 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) of fluids a day while men should consume 3.7 liters (15.5 cups). 

Go buy a reusable water bottle. This helps against plastic waste in the ocean and landfills and commits to drinking the recommended amount of fluids. I highly recommend a Hydro Flask; I have two.

Make Your Bed Every Morning

I know some of us college students roll out of bed for those 8 a.m. classes and never look back, but making your bed every morning is quite simply the easiest way to start off a productive day. Incorporate it into your morning routine. Plus, a messy bed is an eyesore. 

Journaling 

Buy a cheap journal and jot down notes for yourself. I think it is important to recognize the good, the bad, the ugly and the blessings in life. Writing them down helps us keep the perspective that life should be valued and appreciated. 

I’ve kept a journal every year since sixth grade. Some days there’s more written than others, but I keep up with it.

Call a Friend

Picking up the phone to call or FaceTime will mean so much more to a friend than a text. The extra measure is always comforting and heartwarming. Check-in on them and see how they are doing. We all need a check-in and, in time, they will reciprocate a phone call. 

Saving Money

This resolution will help you the most in the long term. Build a budgeting plan Know how much you will spend on food, gas and subscriptions. Take a certain amount of each paycheck and store it away into savings. 

If there was one thing I could go back and tell my younger self, it would be to start saving money sooner and stop buying unnecessary things. 

Compliment Yourself More

Sometimes we receive a lower grade than we expected on an exam or paper. We beat ourselves up about it. But changing your attitude and providing more positive self-talk will go a long way and ultimately make you happier. 

Instead of saying “I did so horrible on this exam. My grade is now a C,” try saying to yourself, “I will do better next time, and I will bring my grade up to an A.”

Credit the great work you have done and the potential you have to succeed.

I hope some of these ideas sparked a true resolution for you to commit to in 2022. I have yet to decide my final resolution, but I am sure it will involve improving my cooking skills and potentially hitting new PR’s in the gym.  

No matter how big or small, a New Year’s resolution is a great way to begin the year on a positive note. I hope you all have a fabulous New Year and a safe winter break. See you soon, Profs! 

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