New Year’s resolutions: UMass edition

Sure, 2015 was great. But we may have indulged in some activities that were not exactly ideal.

Even though we’ll probably surrender to these again after, maybe, a week of 2016, here are some ways to start the new year off right.

Stop going to late night… every night

Yes, our dining halls are not only open consistently throughout our day (a moment of silence for the schools with select lunch/dinner hours), but we are also spoiled here at UMass with the magic of Late Night.

Starting at 9:30pm, students rush to Berk and Worcester to satisfy their late night cravings. Between the chicken tenders or the fried mac and cheese balls, late night is definitely hard to ignore.

Although we can all agree that once in a while a cookie dough sundae is just what our brains need to stay afloat during exams, it is definitely not beneficial to eat a fourth meal at 11 o’clock at night. And if your friends want to head over at 10, maybe make a run for the salad wrap bar. It’s time to shed the freshman 15…and the sophomore five…

Make a trip to the gym now and then

Tired of looking at the Hemsworth brothers and the Kardashian sisters in envy? Then this is the resolution for you. In similarity to cutting out those late night snacks, it would definitely be beneficial to walk into the UMass Recreation Center.

If you don’t know we have a gym on campus, that is probably your first sign that you should head on over. This three-level, heavily equipped building is a gym-rat’s dream. For those exercise novices out there, hitting the elliptical for 25 minutes, three times a week, is a great kickstart for that fitness buff mentality.

Not interested in machines? Try one of the group fitness classes! Zumba your way to that defined bod. You know you want that flat stomach – the only thing in the way is you! And when you’re finally done with your workout, make sure to make a stop at the smoothie bar… Treat yo’ self.

Hit the books

With the wonders of UMass, it is far too easy to forget the ultimate reason we are enrolled here – getting the degree. Du Bois should never be a wasted resource. Perhaps it is time to use those quiet floors for the prime position for focus. Those migraines from staring at your laptop for six hours and the fatigue from the all-nighter you pulled to cram for your exam will be worth it.

Just think about seeing your name on the Dean’s List at the end of the semester. And if you need any more motivation, just remember, there is a lovely, hefty tuition bill looming over your head – spend your money wisely.

Now depending on the past semester, these resolutions may vary…

A) Slow your roll with the partying

Let’s be honest, last semester you killed it. Starting Thursday night, you were not hesitant to head out into the night, coozie in hand, ready to make some memories and dance your ass off. When your squad wasn’t taking over ADP or Theta Chi, you were stealing the scene at your friend’s apartment.

Nothing felt better than hitting your bed after a successful night of raising hell. Yes, last semester was a blast, but those thirsty Thursdays were cramping your grades. Have you even opened your Geology book yet? It may be hard changing your ways, but you need to make time for some “adulting.” You need all the energy you can get to make it to your 8ams next week. It’s time to get serious (Well, at least, Sunday-Thursday…).

B) Keep calm and GO OUT

You need to relax. The fall semester was a doozy, but you made it through with your diligence and effort. But now… it is time to get out there and have fun! Spending every Friday night cramming for your exam on Monday gets old and can definitely hinder your motivation.

When your roommate asks if you want to join in on the plans for the night, you say, “I’m in!” You got the grades – you made Subbaswamy proud, now it’s time to indulge in adventures. Ladies, hook your key on your bra. Guys, put on your boat shoes. It’s time to step away from the books and call an Uber, cause you’re going out tonight.

Learn to love yourself

So it has been quite some time since you last met a person you truly felt compatible with. Your swipes on Tinder are all busts and the frat scene hasn’t been the best option to meet the one. But no worries, because 2016 is your year to fall in love…with yourself.

It’s time to forget the pains of being single and embrace it! 2015 was a year of dwelling in your friends relationships shadows. So what if you’re single? You are smoking hot and anyone would be lucky to have you, but for now, be pumped that you get to look at yourself in the mirror everyday.

Of course it’s nice to have a Netflix and Chill session every now and then, but nothing beats binge-watching How to Get Away With Murder with your best friends.