Approaching the new year

1. Make your resolutions specific 

Only a quarter of Britons keep their New Year’s Resolution — because of a lack of specificity. e.g.: avoid saying ‘I’ll eat healthier’ and instead opt for ‘half my plate will be greens’ or ‘I’ll walk over 30 minutes a day’. This approach makes your goal more feasible but also alleviates any unnecessary pressure on yourself.  

2. Try a vision board

You can do it virtually with Canva to build it, or just use Pinterest. Or you can grab a frame, a poster, magazine cut outs/printed pictures, some scissors and some tape. Visualising what you want out of your year is manifesting it, it’s the law of attraction. It’ll also serve as a reminder of what your larger purpose and goals are.

3. Trying to figure out what you should do after you graduate?

I’m afraid I’m just as lost as you are. However, it is essential to remember that that journey is your own and you have your whole life to figure it out! I find the Japanese concept Ikigai particularly helpful as a guide, a concept that roughly translates to 'reason for being' which can help you work out your aims in life and work. And don’t forget to use UCL Careers! 

4. Invest in your wellbeing

Investing in your wellbeing is just as important — if not more — than being productive. If your mind is at peace, your efficiency improves. So if you spend time doing yoga/meditation/your hobby/phoning your friends and family rather than scrolling through social media, you are increasing your focus rather than hindering it.

For your meditation practice, I’ve recommended Headspace plenty before, but there’s also Calm and Insight Timer to check out. Yoga with Adriene is so relaxing — especially if you like dogs — and Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning and edX are worth a look too!

5. Journal

Don’t you feel 2020 just flew by? Keeping record of your memories, your feelings and what you’re thankful for will not only keep your mental health in check because you’ll be more conscious of your thoughts, but it will also be something pleasant to revisit in the future. If you would rather do something more artistic, try a mood tracker! 

Julie Colonna, BA English Language and Literature