Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

It’s officially 2019, and while some still have to adapt to not writing dates that end in ‘2018’, some of us are also trying to make other changes to our lives. While some don’t do resolutions, others set high expectations for themselves, and meanwhile others aren’t so sure either if they should participate in setting resolutions or question if they can be successful.

For the people who are in a state of undeciding, a good place to start is by setting the simple and easily attainable goals first and then deciding whether to work up to bigger things. These simple resolutions can be related to any aspect of life that could use improving.

Many people start with resolutions that have to do with health. While starting a new diet or a new rigorous workout regime might not be for everyone, there are smaller changes that can be made that will still improve overall health and wellness.

For example, one resolution can be merely drinking more water and staying hydrated or walking somewhere that’s usually a two minute drive if possible.

Some people resolve to make drastic changes to their diet to be more healthy, but those who might be intimidated by such changes can start with smaller ones, such as replacing one unhealthy snack with a healthier one but otherwise staying the same.

Other lifestyle-related changes that can be made can be things that are more relevant to academic or social life. Old habits may die hard, such as putting off work until the last minute, but resolving, for example, to read at least one chapter or write one paragraph everyday can help build a less stressful routine when the due date arrives.

If the hope is to create more meaningful connections or to strengthen existing ones, a good resolution might be something like deciding to explore the school’s club options or to take more initiative in starting conversations rather than waiting on others.

As usual, jokes can be expected about the New Year’s resolutions lasting only until the end of January. However, surviving the first month can be made more simple by starting small. Resolutions aren’t for everyone, but even small steps can bring positive change.

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Ashlynn Norton