Dear Diary,
It's that time of year again. Each year I decide on making a New Year's Resolution. Now the problem with this is that I either start off fantastic and and forget about it by March, or I forget about it until March-and then start.
I have a problem.
I need to stop this pattern of resolution destruction. Picking easier resolutions could help, but so could better motivators.
Here are some resolutions I believe everyone should try to make this coming year:
1.) Take a walk each day. || Not only can this make a stressful day a little bit easier, it can also take the place of your daily physical activity. Take a 45 minute break and walk briskly around the block. You can do this first thing in the morning as a wake-me-up, or try it in the evening after work.
2.) Stop drinking soda. || I'll be the first to admit that this one is the hardest for me. Unfortunately, these sugary drinks are bad for your teeth, let alone your waistline. If there is one food you cut out in 2015, let it be soda. Try infused water, tea, or soy milk (I love almond milk!).
3.) Go on a technology diet. || I don't mean completely cut technology out of your life, but take an hour from each day and don't look at your phone, laptop, TV. I know it's hard. Spend quality time with your family and friends, read a book, or maybe you can use this time for your walk.
4.) Sleep more. || I'm not giving you an excuse to sleep during the day. I mean try getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. As a college student, I know how difficult this can be. Sleeping has so many great benefits including focusing more, fighting of sickness, and improving your physical and emotional health.
"Sleeping can do all that?" you may ask.
Yes, yes it can.
Here are some tips to keep you motivated all year long:
1.) Start a Pinterest board! || I can literally write for hours about how much I love Pinterest. They have amazing articles about working out and healthy recipes (If that's your resolution), as well as motivational signs and posters you can hang up.
2.) Let your friends in. || Don't do this on your own. Friends and family make a great support team.
3.) STAY WITH IT!! || Experts say it takes approximately 21 days to turn a new activity into a habit, and 6 months to become apart of your personality. Be sure to remain patient and reward yourself when you reach your goals.
Hopefully this helps those of you who were wanting some help deciding on what to do this year.
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
Until next time,
Eliza Grace
Dear Diary,
Being home from college is such a strange transition. I have been living on my own for three months in a big city, being able to do anything I want at the drop of the hat. Now I have to ask my parents to do anything and go anywhere.
Nevertheless, I am having a blast not worrying about anything.
Since I've been cooped up on my house, not being able to do virtually anything, I have compiled a list of activities that can keep anyone occupied (even a college student!).
1.) Learn something new! || I just got this "Crochet for Beginners" book that comes with year and crochet (sticks?), and that has been keeping me busy the past few days! I have even learned how to start a scarf.
2.) Start a Pinterest. || I have been on this site for over 4 years now! I joined back when it was 'invitation only,' and it shows. This can keep me occupied for literally hours.
Follow me here---> pinterest.com/lizig96
3.) Catch up on some Netflix. || Let's face it: it is an addiction. I have watched so many series, I should be committed. A few I have been absolutely loving lately are:
Hart of Dixie || I just recently started watching this one, but I love it already. Drama, hot guys, fashion, and Southern charm. Need I say more?
Parenthood || I binge-watched this one. I finished the first 5 seasons in three weeks. I have never been so proud.
Gilmore Girls (but of course) || I would not be myself if I didn't add this one. Mothers and daughters will love this show. A little bit of comedy, a little bit of drama, and a whole lot of love. Plus-Melissa McCarthy starting her career. What could be better than this?
Brothers & Sisters (act fast-this one is taken off streaming 1/4/15!!) || Drama. Drama. Drama. Family drama is fun to watch-as long as it isn't your own family, of course.
Gossip Girl || Every girl's dream: New York City, friends, and boys. I honestly didn't think I would like this show, but I fell in love after the first episode. Can you say Chuck Bass?
The Office || I can't even explain how much I love this show. Steve Carell at his best. This will keep you laughing throughout the whole series. Trust me on this one.
4.) Workout. || Can you say Freshman 15?
5.) Cook/bake || Even if you aren't exactly a gourmet chef-my family won't hesitate to tell you that I am not- cooking something on your own can be quite satisfying. Try something easy to start off, like cookies, or a homemade Mac n' Cheese.
Anyone else have suggestions I didn't mention?
Until next time,
Eliza Grace
Dear Diary,
I have gained weight. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I know I have. Those Starbucks runs-sometimes 3 times a day, staying up until 4 a.m. working on that Psych paper due at 8, and running to the dining hall to get my curly fry fix has finally all caught up on me.
If you are in the same boat I am, you need to workout. Sometimes it is hard to get over to the gym, especially when you are taking 6 classes this semester-I apologize for that.
Here are some easy workouts you can do when you don't have time for anything else:
1.) Arm circles. || Stand straight up and extend your arms out at a 90° angle from your body.
1.) Start turning your arms from your shoulder clockwise for 30 seconds.
2.) Keep your arms up throughout the entire exercise, no matter how hard it becomes.
3.) Repeat first step, but counterclockwise.
On average, you can burn between 15-20 calories per 40 arm circles!
2.) Jump rope! || If you don't own a jump rope, they aren't expensive at all, and this can be
a great workout. If you don't want to buy one, try jumping jacks, or burpees. Jumping
rope for 5 minutes can burn up to 68 calories!
3.) Burpees (Alternative to jump rope) || Stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart.
1.) Kick your feet back in a push-up position and do a push-up
2.) Kick your feet back to your original position-jump and clap your hands in the air
3.) Repeat. 15 reps=1 set
Burpees can burn up to 15 calories per minute!
4.) Lunges. || Do walking lunges down the hallway.
1.) Stand up with your legs shoulder-width apart. Keep your hands on your hips.
2.) Step forward with one foot about 2 or 3 feet from your stance. Keep your back
straight
3.) Bend both knees to a kneeling position. Do not allow your knee to touch the ground.
4.) Pause at this position, then repeat. Can burn up to 45 calories.
5.) Dance! || Turn up One Direction and rock out for a bit. This is definitely a de-stresser, as
well! Grooving can burn up to 26 calories!
I hope this helps any of you college gals, or just us that have put on a few pounds-no shame.
What do you do to burn a few calories?
Until next time,
Eliza Grace
