Now that 2016 is well underway, resolutions for the new year are either in full swing or screeching to a halt.
If you’ve already given up on your resolutions for 2016, you’re not alone. According to University of Scranton study, only 8 percent of American adults are successful at achieving their New Year’s resolutions while most fall off the wagon within the first month of the new year.
However, according to the same Scranton study, 64 percent manage to make it past January.
So how do students keep going?
For Kim Otello, a public health major, the secret lies in accountability and focus.
“You have to find people who have the same goals as you to hold you accountable,” Otello said. “You also can’t have too many, or you will feel overwhelmed and just give up.”
Otello has set only two resolutions for herself: to read more and to make it to the gym at least three times a week. She has found an accountability partner for both.
The Scranton report found the five most common new year resolutions are to lose weight, get organized, improve finances, enjoy life to the fullest and exercise. Here are some tips for CSUN students to tackle these goals and continue staying on track to self-improvement.
Losing weight
Fitness goals are among the most common resolutions made by people. Private consultation with a peer nutrition counselor to discuss general nutritional needs is available to CSUN students at no charge. Additionally, students can sign up for a 60-minute consultation with a registered dietitian for $25. Both options are by appointment only and available at the Klotz Student Health Center.
Getting organized
This means more than just writing things down on random scraps of paper. Students should buy a planner that suits them and learn how to work with them to fit their lifestyle. For best results, planners should be used together with a calendar and lists. Most Matadors are equipped with smartphones or tablets, and apps like Google Calendar, Todoist or any simple to-do list manager can be powerful organizational tools if used well and maintained regularly.
Improving finances
Getting your finances in order is also doable. Mint.com is a website that provides account aggregation for all of your online bank accounts, allowing you to create budgets, set financial goals and view your credit score through a single user interface. Coupon apps like RetailMeNot or Groupon can also be used to save an extra buck or two.
Enjoying life to the fullest
Join clubs. From salsa dancing to Buddhism, CSUN has more than 200 clubs and organizations to choose from. Students should also visit the Associated Students Ticket Office for discounts on nearly all campus events, from theater and comedy to athletics, music and more. The office also offers discounted tickets to theme parks and local movie theaters. Those who enjoy hiking, sailing or trips to the wilderness can join the A.S. Outdoor Adventures, which organizes numerous fun recreational activities such as kayaking with manatees in Florida and dog sledding in Alaska.
Exercising
Sign up and go to the Student Recreation Center regularly. The “New Year New You” program hosted by the SRC at the University Student Union can provide the accountability parters students need to commit to regular physical activity. This six-week challenge begins Jan. 25, and continues through March 6. Members can also register for group exercise classes online as early as one day in advance.
