8 Resolutions Students Should Take On In 2023 According To Science

Ring in the new year with a resolution you can actually keep. 🥳

The start of a new year is a great time to evaluate what you want to accomplish in the next 365 days. While 37% of Americans say they have a goal for 2023, nearly 80% drop their resolutions by January 19. That’s less than three weeks.

So what can you do to fix this disconnect? Pick a resolution that scientifically proven to succeed. Here are the top eight resolutions college students should pick for 2023.

1. Fix Your Sleeping Habits

Deep, quality sleep is an underrated game-changer—it’s not even on the top 20 most common resolutions made. But solid sleeping habits can fix a plethora of issues.

The benefits of sleeping for at least eight hours every night include a decreased risk of dementia in your 50s and 60s, a regular metabolism, and a better ability to flush out toxins from your body. Plus, your overall physical and mental health will increase, too.

2. Exercise…

20% of Americans want to improve their physical health, and 19% want to exercise more. With it being such a common resolution, you’d think more people would stick to it. But experts agree you have to be targeted in your approach.

A blanket statement like, “Go to the gym more,” won’t work. Think regular, moderate exercise. This will improve your mental health (and obviously your physical health) by lowering the risk of depression and anxiety.

3. …But Make It Realistic

It’s common for resolutioners to start out a bit…overly ambitious. While your heart is in the right place, going too hard too fast will leave you feeling sore, burnt out, and more likely to drop your resolution. Pick something you have a real chance of sticking to.

Pick something that you can realistically see fitting into your schedule on a daily basis. If you’re not a gym person, don’t sign up for the gym. And if you’re not a morning person, those 6 a.m. workout classes aren’t going to last long. Find a way to get moving that will benefit you in the long run.

4. Eat A Healthy Diet Backed By Science

18% of Americans said their resolution for 2023 was to eat healthier. Similar to exercise, pick food that you’re going to enjoy eating. It’s also crucial that you’re open to trying new foods as you try to clean up your diet.

Quality food is the important thing here: vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, and try to eliminate as many processed foods and refined sugars as you can. A good goal would be to cook one meal for yourself every week without using any processed ingredients.

5. Cut Down On Alcohol

A survey conducted at the beginning of 2022 found that one third of Americans participate in dry January. So for the over 21 crowd, limited your boozy beverages is a great goal to set.

Lowering your alcohol consumption puts less strain on your liver and lowers your overall risk of heart disease. It also supports weight loss and reduces the risk of certain cancers.

6. Take More Breaks & Work Less

No, really—we mean it. To increase your overall productivity, listening to your body when it tells you it’s time for a break is incredibly important. One study found that our brain can only engage in heavy mental work for four to five hours per day.

If you start feeling burnout, don’t ignore it. Take as much time off from studying as you can, and allow yourself time in your day for a mental reset. You’ll be more productive in the long run.

7. Read Regularly

We don’t mean your textbooks, we’re talking reading a book that you actually want to read. Recent studies have found that reading helps you to empathize with others easier, along with reducing stress and promoting a better memory.

It’s also an easy way to take a break from our ever technology-reliant world by staring at a screen. Find a style or genre of book you like and commit yourself to a goal. Maybe read one book a month or think about joining a book club!

8. Spend Your Free Time Doing Whatever You Want To Do Most

Some days it feels like you barely have time to breathe, let alone do something fun. Make 2023 the year you actually embrace doing things you enjoy doing (especially since 7% of Americans want to pick up a new hobby for the new year).

Harvard found that people tend to be happier when they embrace the “four pillars” of family, faith, friends, and work (or, in your case, school). Whatever that looks like for you, make it a point to carve out time for yourself.

If your resolution is to exercise more, be sure to check out our cheapest gym memberships for students in 2023!