College Jolt

14 days have passed since I raised my glass to 2009. Like most during this midnight toast, I made myself a promise, a resolution if you will. It has been 14 days since I made this affirmation to better my life. My promise to myself was to put down the donut and become a gym nut. In 14 days, I have made it to the gym everyday. But what happens when my motivation stops? How can I make this resolution last longer than the not-so steamy New Years Eve kiss? If you made a resolution, here are some tips to help you achieve your resolution.

1) Resolution- Loose Weight: Congrats, if this is your resolution! You have chosen the most popular one–one that people have made in 2005, ‘06, ‘07,’08 and yet again in ‘09. But this is going to be the year, right? This is YOUR year to drop the extra pounds and rid yourself of a spare tire. Sound familiar? Maybe you said the same thing last year… so what is going to make 2009 different?

Where most dieters go wrong is deprivation. In order to make your diet have some staying power it’s not about completely saying no to junk food, it’s about moderation.

For instance, I love all the food that is terrible for you! Yes, I do treat myself to it sometimes, but most of the time its all about being creative with your food and making changes to make junk food less fattening. From pizza to pie, HUNGRY GIRL provides excellent recipes that are not only low in calorie and fat, but super yummy too!

Remember weight loss is not about just eating right, you need to put some time into exercise in as well! Try and get in a routine. Find something you enjoy (might I suggest the elliptical) It is high impact enough to burn calories, but low impact enough that you would be able to read a book while using it.

Also, try and find a work-out buddy, so you can motivate each other to go to the gym. And as for something you can do at home, put all your work-out clothes in the front of your dresser drawers and all your comfy PJs in the back, making your work-out clothes easier to access.

Finally, a killer play list doesn’t hurt either, check out NIKE for some suggestions. Remember to find your power song. This song should appear smack in the middle of your play list, right when you are about to hit the dreaded wall. Might I suggest, Eminem “Loose Yourself” (I am not really a fan of this song, in fact, I hate it. But when it comes to a working out this as a power song does wonders!)

2) Resolution- Save Money: Living on a college budget it is difficult to save money. But remember after 4 years you will have to pay back all those college loans! Why not start saving now? If this was your resolution, good choice! And like losing weight the key to saving money is moderation.

If you are a coffee addict try brewing your own coffee. Most dorms allow coffee makers because if you purchase coffee at $4 a pop, that’s $28 dollars a week and $1,456 a year! Think how much you could save.

For the fashionista cutting money on clothes maybe difficult. Check-out consignment shops or thrift shops. (Vintage is so in!) One place to look is PLATO’s CLOSET. (some have both a guys and girls section) Not only can you purchase name brand clothes for a fraction of the price, you can sell your own clothing back as well. $10 is not too bad for that pair of jeans you never wear.

Another good saving strategy if you have a job is setting a goal. Say at the end of each month you want to put away $100. Maybe one week you can only put away $10 because of bills, or other expenses. The next week try and double it to $20 and the week after that double it to $40. Saving is not so difficult if you do it in small increments.

3) Resolution- Meeting New People: I made this Resolution my freshman year of college. I didn’t feel like I was getting out enough or meeting new people. My solution was to go through sorority recruitment. Going Greek opened a ton of doors and now, I can’t even take two steps onto campus without seeing a familiar face!

However, if going Greek is not your thing consider joining a club. My recommendation is the drama club. Even if you don’t act there are always behind the scenes jobs, stage crew, or even directing. (And for some reason thespians tend to be really accepting and eager to meet new people)

4) Resolution- Get Healthy: Yes, this means different things to different people. For one resolution maker it might be the promise to quit smoking for another to quit drinking. My recommendation for the first step in tackling this resolution is check-up. For many college students an annual check-up typically not part of their year. If you want to improve your health, you have to first know how your health is. It is as easy as walking into your health clinic on campus.

Also, an STD check-up wouldn’t hurt too. If you are on your way down the healthy high-way might as well ensure health sex is part of your journey.

Got a Resolution I didn’t talk about? Have any more suggestions? Let me know, laurenhensley@collegeprowler.com I would love to here about your progress!

Photos Courtesy of : www.moneywalks.com , www.geekologie.com , www.irvmusic.com , www.dietsinreview.com , www.localharvest.org , www.divinewellbeing.com.

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