What’s popping y’all! Welcome back to another fun and fresh semester of our favorite place (totally not sarcastic)—Vanderbilt University! For some of us, last semester might have been a train wreck, and others, not so much. In any cases, we are (probably) still looking to improve! Though you might have some goals and solutions already, here are some other ideas you might want to consider!
Most importantly, don’t try to take on all of these resolutions though. Change isn’t a one-day process but made from consistent mindful habit-making (even if New Years resolutions are made to be broken).
Read more books
This does not mean actually reading your books in your classes (though it may be a good place to start!) Consider picking up books that challenge your thinking or work on self-improvement. Remember when we used to read leisurely? It truly has been a while for some of us.
If reading isn’t your thing, maybe you can look for audiobooks to listen to instead of music when you try to meet that resolution of going to the rec frequently. Maybe listening to that next chapter can be your motivation to go to the rec.
Budget tracking
That five dollar coffee really adds up? Your monthly subscriptions are a lot? There exist plenty of apps that help you track your spending and though many of these are necessities, do consider what apps you really do need. You may recognize that you are dependent on a lot, but you might also be surprised you have some subscriptions you may be able to cut down on.
For example, for my caffeine kick, I’ve been utilizing Panera and their coffee subscription club where you can get “unlimited” free hot coffee, iced coffee, and hot tea (aka every 2 hours) for a month. While Starbucks may be a staple of your life, that money can add up.
Create a schedule
Obviously, we have a schedule around our classes and such. If you haven’t already, putting everything into your Google calendar and such is definitely helpful. Other than classes, you can also add office hours so they are more ready to go instead of trying to refer back to syllabi and such.
However, this can extend into cleaning. Plan for a regular time to do your laundry instead of “when you really need to.” Make this a consistent time every week. Shower at similar times. Most importantly: work on that sleep schedule!
Become a parent (of plants)
Even if being here still seems like a dream, it is undeniable that we are growing as people. Why not adopt a cute succulent to mark your growth? A cute decoration and a friend that will always be there for you in the form a plant. Next time you go out, maybe you can keep your eyes peeled for a new friend and source of life in your room.
The funds? Maybe you were mindful about your budget and cancelled a subscription :p
Listen to happy music
Obviously, we have our sad days and we just need music to hit differently. But maybe, you can schedule some time once a week as you work to listen to happy positive music. Be productive, and feel good about all that you have accomplished.
Good luck on this semester! You are going to do so well 🙂