New year’s resolutions: our top 10 tips & how to make them stick

written by: Christina Pichler, 25.12.2020

The new year is just around the corner and with it many new opportunities!

“Everything will be different this year. I will be more active, eat healthier and be way more productive. “New Year’s Resolutions. Did you know that about 80% of all people fail their resolutions in February already?

To make sure this isn’t you this year, we have some tips for you on how you can stick to your resolutions for the new year and, above all, carry them through!

  • Set realistic goals
    If you set goals that are too big and too unrealistic, you can lose motivation quickly. That is why it is important to set small goals, especially at the beginning. Do you want to learn a new language? Start revising your vocabulary for 15 minutes each day. If you achieve your small goals, it will motivate you to keep going!
    Most people overestimate what they can achieve in one year and underestimate what they can achieve in 10 years. Be consistent!
  • Make a plan
    “Planning is half the battle” is a well-known proverb for a reason. Make a plan that you can stick to. Of course, this looks different depending on your intent. If you want to do better in your studies, you can start implementing fixed study times. Perhaps establishing a new morning routine will also help you be more productive. What is important for success is perseverance!
  • Better together
    Instead of going to the gym by yourself, ask a friend if they want to get active together. This way you can motivate each other, do sports together and spend time with the people you love most. Achieving goals together is much more fun anyways.
  • Apps
    Many apps can help you achieve your goals. One app that we would like to introduce to you today is the learning app “Forest – Stay focused, be present“. This app helps you to work more concentrated and also plants trees in real life!
    This is how it works: After you have installed the app, you can choose any period in which you want to learn and during this time a virtual tree will be planted and starts growing – given that you are not using your smartphone! This will help you stay focused during your learning intervals without being distracted. Just try it out!
  • Failure is allowed!
    Instead of expecting yourself to be perfect, look forward to the things you will learn in the new year. Set yourself specific goals and even if you fail at something, it is important not to give up, but to continue with a new and improved plan!

There are almost as many good resolutions for the new year as there is sand by the sea, but we have selected 10 new year’s resolutions that can help you make the next year the best of your life!

1. Health over everything

After feasting over the Christmas season, the most popular New Year’s resolution is: losing weight. For us, too, health comes first, although we do not necessarily equate that with shedding pounds.
We have a few simple tips for you on how you can eat healthier without having to eliminate pizza nights and your favorite cocktail forever.

  • Eat more vegetables!
    Try to include new types of vegetables in your eating plan. How about introducing Meatless Monday or making the resolution to try a new type of vegetable every week. Did you know that there are some foods that can make you smart just by eating them? Take a look at our article on “Brainfoods” and let yourself be inspired!
  • Drink more water!
    The human body is made up of 70% water and therefore an average adult should drink 2-3 liters of water a day. It is good for your skin, your digestion and even your concentration!
  • Mental Health
    In addition to physical health, mental health is also very important. If any time this year you are facing problems that you cannot solve on your own, it is a good option to look out for professional help. If you are a student, you can find more information about psychological counseling at the Austrian Students’ Union!

2. Get active

Another very popular resolution: Do more exercise. The reason why we often fail in this endeavor: we do not set any specific goals! So what exactly does more sport mean for you? Taking the stairs instead of the elevator? Going to the gym three times a week or doing yoga every morning? Set yourself specific goals in order to be able to meet them!

If your schedule is so busy that you just can’t make it to the gym every day? No problem, a 10 minute home workout is easy to incorporatein your daily life and you can work up a sweat while doing it too!

3. Let go of your vices

We know it’s not good for us but we do it anyway. For some it is the bar of chocolate, for others the cigarette after a stressful day. The problem: Smoking doesn’t only burn a lot of money, but also valuable life time. To quit, it is important to find the cause of your vice. Are you stressed out, sad or just a master of procrastination? Find out when and why you light up a cigarette and work directly on the root of the problem!

4. Be more sustainable

We all know that climate change is real and, unfortunately, we are constantly contributing to it. However, there are a few small things you can do to minimize your personal ecological footprint.

  • Use a reusable water bottle
  • Eat less meat
  • Take the public transport
  • Buy second hand

Here you can find more information about living a “Zero Waste” life!

5. Save more money

As a student you only have limited financial resources. Try to make a budget plan this year to have an overview of your expenses. Here are more tips on how to save as a student.

6. More time offline

We spend an average of around 4 hours a day staring into our smartphones. Try to reduce this time in the coming year and invest the hours gained in something more worthwhile. Hang out with your friends more often or have dinner with your family. This “digital detox” will do wonders for your social life.

7. Learn something (new)

Have you always wanted to try a pottery class but just haven’t had the time? Or is there a new language that you would like to learn? Then your New Year’s resolution could be to spend more time learning something new. Here, too, it is important to set specific goals that you can definitely achieve.

8. Do good to others

Whether you invest money or time, this resolution will not only make you happy, but also those around you! Sort out your closet and donate what you no longer need to charity, help your older neighbors with shopping or stand up for those who have no voice. There are many ways to do good.

9. Be more brave

You have a dream but haven’t dared to pursue it yet? Have you always wanted to travel alone but haven’t found the courage to do so? Try to be just a little bit braver this year. Start by trying a new restaurant or even a new look. Make new friends, for example in the student dormitory, or take the first step and talk to your crush!

10. Be more grateful

You have a roof over your head and enough food in the fridge. You live in a country with a very high quality of life – but all of this is often forgotten in the hectic pace of everyday life. One resolution that will make your life a little better is just to pause and be grateful for what you already have. You can also start writing a gratitude journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for every day.

The STUWO Team team wishes you a happy new year!

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