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1. Lose weightOctober: Halloween candy, November: Thanksgiving dinner, December: The pastries co-workers bake.

Every year losing weight comes in as the top New Years resolution and the best way to make sure that it’s kept, according to Athletic Trainer Patty Gallego is, “be realistic in your goals and take baby steps.”

By dieting, it takes a few months to reach a desired weight, since losing those unwanted pounds would take some time. Thinking about a realistic weight that you want to reach by the end of the year would be more helpful than just saying that you want to lose some weight. “Keep everything in moderation,” said Gallego, “if you start off on the right track you can keep them.”

2. Get out of debt or save money

After spending great amounts of money on holiday shopping, many people look forward to a little cash in their pockets.

One good way to save money for school, according to PCC’s Vice President for Business Affairs Erica Colon is, “don’t buy on credit card, use the money you have in hand.” Even though it’s much easier to swipe a card and pay the bill later, paying with cash will avoid monthly bills.

The best way to keep your money and not worry about spending would be to “keep putting money in your savings and don’t withdraw it,” said Colon. You may need this money in the future to pay for class registration and for book expenses. Better be safe than worried.

3. Develop a healthy habit (e.g., exercise or healthy eating)

In order to develop a healthy habit the best thing students need to do is, “set a realistic goal and start slow,” said Jo Buczko, Coordinator of Student Health Services.

She advises students to make a goal and make it a priority; mainly, just do it for yourself. If you are choosing to develop a healthy exercising habit, “it takes 30 days of consistently doing something to make it a habit,” said Buczko. If you are choosing to develop a healthy eating habit Buczko advises to make gradual changes. If you need help doing so, there are several websites she recommends such as mypyramid.gov, which is an interactive site that can help students make changes in their eating habits. The website pasadena.edu/healthservices can also help students make a few changes in their eating habits. For more information students can go to the Student Health Services office in U-104. The best reward will be to “treat yourself with a healthier choice or a non-food reward when you’ve done well,” said Buczko.

4. Get organized

For some students, everything gets piled up between school, work and family.

One way to be better organized is to have an efficient schedule. “Write down your schedule in order of importance,” advises PCC’s Vice-President for Internal Affairs, Ashley Rodriguez. According to her, having a set schedule will help you recognize the most important tasks that need to get done first and keep you away from wasting time doing things that really aren’t that important.

Another way to be better organized according to Rodriguez is, “Make sure others are organized too.” This is important especially if you are working with other people, because it can affect more than one person. The best technique that Rodriguez recommends is, “Write down everything in the morning, [including] tasks,” so you know what to do and when to do it.

5. Develop a new skill or talent

PCC offers numerous choices of classes that students can enjoy. From art related courses that include, ceramics, drawing or music to machine shop and auto mechanics, there are many fun skills that students can learn.

According to Will Logan who is a music major, the only thing that students need to do is, “look it up. Learn about it and follow through.” Students can find helpful information about the classes that are being offered through PCC’s website.

Although it may take some time to finish the class and to learn something new, “if you really want to do it, you can make time,” said Logan.

6. Spend more time with family and friends

The holidays bring families together but it only happens once a year.

Though some students may not have enough time to be home with their families and friends because of schoolwork, students are making it a priority to spend more time with their families. “Just make more time, [if] they are important to you. you’ll find a way,” said Michael Kanik, a physics major student.

There are many ways to spend quality time with family and friends, from going out to watching movies to just staying home and watching television at the comfort of the living room. Just spending quality time with loved ones will make a difference.

7. Transfer

In order to transfer successfully, “see a counselor, that’s number one,” said Armia Walker, PCC’s academic adviser. Walker advises students to go to the Transfer Center, in the L Building, and get an educational plan. It’s very helpful for students to meet with college representatives and to take campus tours so you know if the school is right for you. And be aware of deadlines.

8. Work less, play more

Along with hours of studying for Fall finals and now Winter midterms, which are coming up, comes a lot of work.

Alexis Altounian, the Academic Athletic Zone’s (AAZ) Office Manager, advises students to, “take a break or it’s going to be harder.”

If students don’t take some time off to “play more,” they’ll be too tired to continue working, which would make work even more stressful.

Another way to “play more” while working, according to Altounian is, “enjoy what you are doing.” Working less and playing more would be efficient by taking a few breaks while working, or by doing work that you might enjoy.

9. Break an unhealthy habit

Unhealthy habits go from smoking, to drinking, to overeating. There are many solutions to help those who are thinking of breaking the habit.

One way that Chelena Fisher, AAZ’s facilitator advices is, “stay away from the situation.[use] physiological tricks.” The way to do so is if there are people around you smoking, try to stay away so that you are not tempted. If drinks are served at a party, ask for something without alcohol and to stop overeating, try smaller food proportions. It’s the simple ways of doing things that can help you break the unhealthy habit and fulfill your new years resolution.

10. Other

Though many people spend much time thinking about their New Years resolutions, others don’t believe in them. “[I] never had a new years resolution,” said Britain Miller.

With many things happening in people’s lives, there’s always time for a change, “why wait until the end of the year when I can do it right away?” says Miller. Resolutions that may not be in the top ten may be more personal in nature and PCC has several resources that can help students accomplish their goals.

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