New Year, New Me... Sure. Cough.

So, January's knocking and we're all supposed to be better versions of ourselves. Let's run through the little changes that actually can realistically last past January 8th.

Resolutions are out. Adjustments are in.

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We’ve all been there. Reveling in the debauchery or laziness of the holidays, most of us swear to a better lifestyle on January 1st. After all, 2016 will be ‘my’ year and whatnot.

But let’s be honest. The breakfast juices rarely make it past 5th January, when you walk past that local bakery and the smell of sweet pastries acts like a nose hug. There’s an excuse to miss that second aerobics class, and the morning yoga doesn’t quite win over an extra 15 minutes of shut-eye in the dark mornings. Speaking of sleep, those early nights fizzle quicker than you can say Netflix. And reading? Well, the book from Uncle Brian acts as a great stomach comforter whilst you nap on the sofa.

We all know New Years Resolutions rarely stand the test of time- let alone January- yet the majority of us still fall victim to the New Year, New Me mentality. Statistically, you are far likelier to keep to a lifestyle change at any point of the year over New Year. There’s too much pressure for betterance on January 1st- whereas all you need is to perhaps look at manageable and maintainable solutions for the year ahead. Because let’s be truthful, you won’t still be hitting the gym 4 times a week when the November rain comes pouring down. Bravo if you do, you’re a better person than I.

So, how do you easily stick to small steps to improve your wellbeing year-round for a student?

1. Drink (more) water.

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Apps such as Plant Nanny are fun helpers to log your water count. From clearer skin to improved sleep to preventing headaches, staying hydrated is key to a healthy you. And that doesn’t mean counting energy drinks- caffeine has the opposite effect. Balance each coffee with a glass of water, for example.

2. Stretch your legs on the daily.

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Pedometer for Christmas? Great. Go Aunt Barbara. On the other hand, simply get a token walk in each day. It doesn’t need to be a rigorous gym session or class, but a simple stroll does the trick to blow the cobwebs away and clear your senses. Plus, it offers valuable time to listen to your favourite music and people watch. Two very important past times.

3. Simmer down the caffeine & booze a notch.

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Dry January? Good luck with that. If that’s not for you, why not explore a more long-term solution? Log your caffeine and alcohol intake and figure out how many mgs/units respectively you are consuming. Perhaps switch the 11AM latte to decaff, and only allow alcohol 2 nights a week. Whatever works for you in your schedule, but sieve down the toxins a little bit. Your body will thank you quickly.

4. Schedule quality 'me' time.

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It’s not pampering, it’s understanding your needs and how to relax in order to be the best you. Colouring books have become a fashionable stress control activity for adults, but other ‘you’ time can be through walks, a spot of self pampering, a night in with the TV, a good book. Relax. You deserve it.

5. Keep in touch.

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Your parents don’t mean to nag. Honestly. It may be hard to see that through their relentless campaign to encourage you to eat more fruit and unprocessed meat, but they’ll value a token phone call on occasion. And with wider family and old friends, nurture your relationships and ensure you don’t get caught into the ‘University bubble’. Keeping quality friendships in and outside Uni will only work in your favour, especially come Graduation.

6. Never stop learning.

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Knowledge is at your fingertips. Almost literally with the boom of educational and skill building apps (oohlala, French with DuoLingo anybody?) in addition to the opportunities at BU. There’s nothing to stop you looking into clubs, societies, extra activities and additional classes to pick up a new skill or enhance an existing one. Learn something new every day. Even if it’s simply a new word… put that dictionary on your shelf to use.

(Note: Today’s word of the day is Alacrity(n): promptness in response, cheerful readiness)

7. Be present.

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Colour this as a shameless self-promotion to mention your Universities RAG (raising and giving) opportunities, in addition to our volunteering spots within the community. Give something back to those around you, push yourself in a physical challenge, become a valuable member of the University and local community itself.

8. Get organised.

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You know your exam and coursework deadlines, and what needs to happen between now and then. Strategise your time. Clean up your desk. Throw away all those old papers you don’t need. Go post-it crazy if you are so inclined. Invest in a diary or wall calendar to keep a track of everything and work towards improving time management. Future-you will thank Present-you with abundance.

9. Tend to your wellbeing.

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It’s okay if you need a little support, advice or guidance. It doesn’t have to be academic, there are plenty of avenues to explore for having a helping hand through difficult times or choices. However trivial, don’t brush your problems aside and let us fix them together. Speak to your advice centre at your union for the first step.

10. Book that adventure.

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Why wait? Backpacking and exploring has never been so affordable, and travelling acts as a character building way of understanding the world around us. It doesn’t even have to be abroad- explore cities nearby, make the trips you keep talking about or seeing others do.

11. Take a holiday from social media.

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Inspirational hashtags on Instagram aren’t moving mountains. And the person who sat beside you in Year 11 Geography is engaged now? Go her. Addictive as social media can be, give it a break. There’s no need to be glued to your phone as if your life depended on it. Why spend longer presenting your dinner than you did in cooking it? You be you because you want to be you, and don’t get caught up in the pressures of social media. Your life is yours to maximise, so live it for you.

12. Keep an eye on the pennies.

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One word... budget. Because nobody *really* likes those 18p supermarket value noodles.

Here's to a better you in 2016… one step at a time. Good luck folks. We're in this together.

For further help and advice, contact your Student Union Advice Team or equivalent.