New Year, New Goals: 5 Attainable Resolutions to Start the Semester Strong

At the start of a new year, with resolutions and intentions, it’s tempting to set ambitious goals and elaborate plans. Curator is here to remind you that New Year’s Resolutions don't have to be extensive nor do they have to be groundbreaking. They can be simple and that's the key to starting the semester off strong. Whether you're getting ready for classes, internships or something else altogether, here are a few resolutions to consider as you get ready to conquer the semester ahead:

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Make Your Bed - And Not Because Your Mother Told You To

This goal is often overlooked as nothing more than a routine task, but making your bed in the morning not only can improve your mental health but also help you start your day on the right path. There is a clear link between living and working in an organized, clutter-free environment and having lower levels of stress, improved focus, and higher productivity. By making your bed first thing in the morning, you get a sense of accomplishment while also decreasing the chance to crawl back in after your first class.

Get Outside Your Comfort Zone and Connect with Those Around You

To kick off 2024 with a bang, consider reaching out to your professors and participating in networking events whether in person or online. These gatherings are a great way to learn and connect with working professionals who can help guide you in a direction that resonates with your interests. Taking this step may feel scary, but it's important to put yourself out there. These events can play a role in propelling you forward to discovering potential internships, career paths or even what you like and dislike.

This year, take the opportunity to show people who you are and what you bring to the table. While thorough research and preparation for networking events are essential, it's equally important to build strong relationships with the people you meet making it easier to reach out and connect with them in the future.

Reset and Discover Your Potential

Setting aside a few minutes of the day to self-reflect can help improve your mental health, boost creativity and clear your head. Even though adding another task to your day might feel like too much, putting your thoughts on paper can help declutter your brain and prepare you for the day ahead.

If you don’t know where to start, ask yourself some questions. For instance, reflect on your morning routine -  what did you have for breakfast and how did it impact your mood? Look ahead to the day and identify something you're excited about. Reflect on positive moments from your classes. These are just initial prompts to kickstart your journaling journey. Start where you feel comfortable and remember this is a personal space just for you.

Aim for Eight

When was the last time you got a full eight hours of sleep? We understand that sleep may not be on the top of your priority list as you juggle assignments, extracurriculars, a social life and work, but you should aim for eight hours a night. Sleep deprivation can create trouble coping with stress, difficulty focusing and remembering, brain fog and can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health.

The first step to getting more sleep is to make the effort. Establish a healthy bedtime routine. That might mean putting your phone on do not disturb, reading, journaling, or winding down with some music. Try keeping a sleep diary or some form of record on how you slept and more importantly how each night’s sleep  made you feel during the day.

Unplug

Social media is a great tool for staying connected with friends, family and loved ones especially if you aren't close to home. However, it can be difficult to stop scrolling, especially when you're trying to focus on studying or completing a project. To avoid the mindless scrolling, consider leaving your phone behind when you're meeting for a study session or disable notifications to stay focused. You could also set a specific time window each day for using your social media apps.

Whether it's these or other resolutions that you choose to work towards, we wish you well on the semester ahead and to achieving your goals.