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New Year’s Resolutions for Students
It’s easy to make resolutions but how many are actually kept? According to a recent poll of studentawards.com members, health and fitness is a primary concern with academics being a close second. Here are a few popular student resolutions along with some tips on how to make sure they stick… this time.
1) Be more health conscious- Be wary of diet fads and trends. Quick fixes do not work as the results tend to last only until the next fad comes along.
- In terms of food, moderation is key. Keep a copy of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating on your fridge to remind you of the essentials needed to maintain a balanced diet.
- Use stairs instead of the elevator, take the scenic route to class, and leave the car at home. Little things will add up.
- Take advantage of your university/college gym. Fees tend to be very low or are already built into your school costs. Local community gyms also offer student discounts.
- Your family physician should also be able to help (or direct you to a reliable source) define routines that would work best for your lifestyle.
2) Academics – Get the grades and become a studious student- Form a study group with friends. Trade ideas and learn new things from your peers. Studying doesn’t always have to be solo project.
- Losing marks because you can’t get your assignments in on time? Stop procrastinating. Use the motto, “no time like the present” and stop putting off tasks till “next week”. This way you’ll avoid those last minute mistakes and panic attacks.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to use your resources. If you’re struggling with a concept, ask a teacher, professor, TA, parent, or friend. If you don’t speak up, you may find yourself falling further behind.
- See our “Survival of the Fittest: How to Ace Your Exams” article for more study tips.
3) Money matters and/or create a budget- Try to create a monthly budget for entertainment, food, toiletries, etc… and stick to it!
- Determine what your needs and wants are (new shoes and a PS3 are not needs!). Will giving in to a “want” affect your ability to fulfill a “need”? The key thing is to be realistic about your spending habits and know what your weaknesses are and avoid them.
- Apply for scholarships. Mark deadlines on your calendar and try to set goals for submitting applications. Example, “I will submit 3 applications each month”.
- Open a high interest savings account and allot a certain amount of money to be contributed each month. You can even lock the account so that funds are easily deposited and difficult to withdraw. Sit back and watch the interest build.
4) Keep your resolutions!- Instead of making a standard resolution list, flesh out your ideas into measurable goals. For example, try “Go to the gym 2 times a week” instead of “Lose weight”.
- Make sure to write down your resolutions and if you’re really keen, keep a checklist to track your progress. You’ll be more likely to stick to a new regime when you can visually see the results.
- Set attainable/realistic goals. If you can’t reach any of the goals you set, you’ll end up frustrated and more likely to quit.
- Tell your family and friends of your intentions. They will be your support during the rough patches.
Good luck and have a great new year!
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