6 Things To Start Doing At Least Once a Week

By Alisa Hrustic on February 16, 2014

 

Courtesy of Collegerebellion.com

It’s easy to fall into a monotonous daily routine. It’s even easier to forget that there are things we should be doing to push toward a better self and life. Making positive changes takes time, but starting small is better than never starting at all, so here are six things to start doing at least once a week to maintain a positive and healthy lifestyle.

 

1. Make a list of goals

Start every week by writing out a list of goals. What do you want to accomplish this week? Whether it be with school, relationships, your job, or finishing errands, writing a list of things you want to get done not only serves as a good daily reminder but will motivate you to actually get up and do those things. Start small by making a mini list every week and then gradually move up to bigger monthly goals.  You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish just by making a concrete decision to do so.

2. Catch up on the news

Some people don’t find the news interesting, some don’t have time, and some forget that it’s actually something we need to be paying attention to. It’s hard to read or listen to the news every day if school, work, friends, and life in general just exhaust you by the end of it. Instead, take 30 minutes to an hour out one day to peruse news sites, read headlines of your local paper, or catch a segment of a broadcast. This way you’re not completely out of touch with reality and you’ll be slightly more informed of the world around you than if you just completely ignored the news altogether.

3. Indulge in a really great meal

Often we find ourselves scarfing down a granola bar as we run to make it to class on time, eating a whole pot of mac and cheese for lunch, or gulping down a pot of coffee just to get our quick fixes. Take at least one meal out of your week to cook for yourself. Make something new that you’ve been wanting to try or just treat yourself to your favorite home cooked foods. Play some music and relax while cooking and while enjoying your creation. You’ll feel super accomplished and satisfied afterwards.

4. Call someone you care about and have a conversation

It’s hard keeping in touch with loved ones when life gets a bit hectic. While you may not be in constant communication with those you care about, your mother or best friend would appreciate a call at least once a week just to see how you’re doing. If your family and good friends live far away, calling is much easier than texting. They’ll appreciate you taking the time out of your day and it will feel more genuine. If you’re lucky enough to have your loved ones in the same city as you, give them a call and take an hour out of your day to have lunch. Make time for others as well as yourself.

5. Get in a really good workout

While you should exercise around 3-4 times a week, that can also be difficult to transition into when you’re used to putting your energy into other commitments. Try to get to the gym at least once a week. If it’s nice enough out, go for a run. Take a night to do some stretches before bed. Anything is better than nothing and you’ll be surprised at how much more energy just one workout produces. Starting with one workout a week may also motivate you to do so every other day, and eventually you can even make it part of your daily routine. Start slow, and build up the motivation to keep taking care of your body properly. You’ll feel more awake during the day and sleep better at night.

6. Take two hours for yourself

Taking time for yourself just to lounge around – soak in a bubble bath, play a sport, or watch a movie is just as important as cranking out a good study session in the library or exercising really hard. Our brain needs time to relax just as much as our bodies do. Try to keep your phone off and stray away from distractions. Absorb yourself in whatever you’re doing and forget about everything else you have to focus on to get through the week. Your mind will thank you later.

 

(Want more from Alisa? Find stories here!)

 

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