Story by Elizabeth Schoof, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Schoof 

I’ve always considered the new year to be a fresh start. However, I can never seem to keep up with the resolutions I make. This year, I realized that even though the new year brings possibility, there isn’t a magic switch that makes me any different on New Year’s day than the day before. Rather than make any resolutions, I’ve chosen to make a conscious effort to be a better person. No pressure for results, and definitely no pressure to continue anything I don’t like.

If you’d like to join me in a year without pressure, take a look at the top 10 most failed New Year’s resolutions!

Lose Weight

Living a healthy lifestyle is great, but setting a “goal weight” often leads to more stress. Replace this resolution with exercise. Even if it’s only once a week, exercise makes a huge difference in lifestyle. I find that I have more energy and a better attitude on the days that I run a mile or two.

Quit Smoking

AQ is a smoke free campus, but there’s always room for improvement. While smoking is obviously bad for people, it’s also hard to quit. Try investing your time into something new. Art is proven to be a great stress reliever, and there are plenty of ways to do it. I’ve gotten really into decorating ceramics. It’s something fun to do, and it makes a great gift for friends and family.

Spend more time with family

Rather than see it as an opportunity to bond,  this resolution makes spending time together seem like an obligation rather than an opportunity. Try showing you care. Write your parents a letter and fill them in on your new classes. When I find myself with a little extra time, I give my grandma a call. Show your loved ones you care through the little acts of love that are often forgotten.

Travel to new places

Eating authentic pizza in Italy? Count me in! Unfortunately, adventures can cost a lot of money— something most college kids don’t have.Try finding adventures close to home.

I like to think that adventure is about attitude rather than action. It can be found in almost anything you do.

Get rid of stress

You’re in college. Getting rid of all stress is impossible. Instead, try prioritizing.

While stress can’t be eliminated completely, you can prioritize your stressors to alleviate some of the pressure.

Drink Less

Drinking less is hard for many people, especially after a stressful week of prioritizing. Instead of this, try going to campus events. They’re proven to be a whole lot of fun,

Volunteer

The minute you find yourself stressed, volunteering for the heck of it will feel like a burden rather than a blessing. Try a few random acts of kindness. They allow you to make people’s lives easier without the stress of committing.

Learning something new

Learning new things is fun, but if you vow to do it, you’re bound to see it as a chore. We learn a lot of new things about ourselves every day. If you pay close attention, you’re bound to learn something new without having to crack a book.

Save Money

College is expensive and saving money is hard. Instead of this, try using coupons to cut the cost some. Lots of places around here provide good student discounts that are very easy to use!

Fall in Love

You can’t make yourself (or anyone else) fall in love with you. Settle for meeting new people and making new friends this year. People change people, and there’s always room for growth.