As the new year begins, Stags return to campus for the spring semester with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Despite the freezing temperatures and the snow that covers campus, Stags are looking forward to this new semester, which brings new routines, new habits and new goals.
As we move through the first few weeks of 2025, many Fairfield students have instated New Year’s resolutions that will help them live healthier and happier lives. For some, this may include eating more nutritious foods, going to the gym more often or practicing self-care. First-year Sophia Sobol took this approach to her plans for the new year, explaining, “My New Year’s resolution is to be better at responding to messages and to go to bed early.”
Other students have decided to focus on spiritual or mental health improvements. First-year Anna Grace Yurek said that her plan for this year is to “worry less and trust God more.” She and many other students are hoping to prioritize their well-being going into this new semester, aiming for a year with less stress and more peace.
Still other students were content with the outcome of last year’s resolutions. First-year Divita Vernekar hopes to carry over her lifestyle from last year as she “quite enjoyed 2024,” revealing that her New Year’s resolution is “just to live life to the fullest.” Like Divita, many students want to use this year to appreciate the present moment and make the most out of each day.
The end of January is drawing nearer, an encouraging fact for those who have remained consistent with their aspirations. “Quitter’s Day,” the term for the second Friday in January by which time most people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions, has passed. As Stags adjust to their new semester, many plan on using their resolutions to guide their habits and behavior this winter.
Although keeping up with resolutions can be challenging, there are a few helpful ways to stay consistent and achieve those goals. One way to stay motivated is to remember why you made a resolution in the first place and to use that inspiration when morale is low. Creating a vision board can be a great way to visualize your goals. Fairfield at Night recently held a vision board night, allowing Stags to start their new semester off on a positive note. Keeping up with a habit becomes easier when the goal is in sight.
Another method of staying consistent with New Year’s resolutions is to give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. As discouraging as it may be to feel as though you have “failed” on a goal, it’s never too late to start again. Even though New Year’s Day has passed, every day is a new opportunity to begin a habit or work towards a goal.
The semester’s beginning marks a new start for Stags returning to campus. With their resolutions in place, they are ready to face this semester confidently and optimistically.
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