New Year, New You

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New Year’s resolutions 2020.

- Caroline Carpenter, Writer

With 2019 at a close and the new decade beginning, setting a New Year’s resolution can get your second semester started on the right foot. But, according to the U.S. News & World Report, the failure rate for new year’s resolutions is said to be about 80%, and most lose their resolve by mid-February. But, you can put your best foot forward with these good academic resolutions. 

Eat Better. Poor eating habits can become addictive. CNN reports “a new study in rats suggests that high-fat, high-calorie foods affect the brain in much the same way as cocaine and heroin. 

Exercise. It promotes clear and positive brain function, enables student-athletes to excel, and supports a healthy immune system. 

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Exercise is one way to destress and promote a healthy immune system.

Get Organized. Prepare for your future, and while you’re at it apply for some applications that interest you. 

Manage Procrastination. Pay attention to which assignments are crucial, by allocating the right amount of time required to finish assignments; procrastinators can feel less stressed. 

Manage Screen Time. Excessive amounts of time on your technology can take you off task. 

Prioritize Mental Health, Anxiety, and Stress. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Take a few hours to unwind. Put your mental health over any class. 

Complete Assignments on Time. If not, you run the risk of failing that class. 

Get to Know your Teachers. Strong relationships with teachers nearly guarantees letters of recommendation for future college admissions. Also, knowing your teacher makes you more comfortable asking questions making it a smoother semester.

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Mental health always comes before any class. Take the time to destress.

If teens take the following steps they’re likely to have a successful academic resolution. Make your goal successful; don’t make a goal that isn’t possible for you, and make your goal specific. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits says, The simple way to apply this strategy to your habits is to fill out this sentence: I will [BEHAVIOR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION]. Follow the links below for further information about New Year’s resolutions.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/01/health/keeping-new-years-resolutions-wellness/index.html

https://www.fnu.edu/10-academic-resolutions-school-year/