New Year, same you

By Alexandra Malatesta STAFF WRITER

As the new year begins, you know what that means — many of us are taking time to reflect on the past and setting goals for the future. But before you go crazy with unrealistic goals, let’s talk about how to improve the most important aspects of your life slowly yet effectively.

While it can be challenging to completely overhaul our routines, taking a more moderate approach can make a big difference over time. One of the best ways to do this is by turning our past patterns into healthier (and smarter) choices — one step at a time. Take the routine you already have and modify it.

Maintaining better physical health is one of the goals most of us set for ourselves each January. Whether that’s sporadically purchasing a gym membership (see you at Kamps classes) or suddenly becoming vegan — physical health is a great start. One surprising way you can improve your health is through your sleep habits. Simple changes such as going to bed just a few hours earlier can really impact your motivation and energy levels, and propel healthier choices. Allow yourself to do what is necessary to stay healthy like walking that extra mile or attending that cycling class at the Nicholas Recreation Center you’ve been dying to try.

Another way to start the year o right is by setting goals for your mental and emotional well-being. Standard remedies include practicing mindfulness, journaling or seeking out therapy or counseling. Start small — take your daily walk while listening to your favorite podcast or call a family member during a co ee outing at the Memorial Union, and make it a permanent part of your routine.

Everyone is fulfilled in di erent ways. Brainstorm ways to determine what fills your cup and makes you happy.

By setting goals that are impossible to achieve overnight, you’ll find yourself discouraged and will fall right back into old habits.

Instead, implement modest changes that will enable you to achieve greater success in the long run. Lasting, meaningful change takes time.

Start this year off right by telling yourself there is no limit. The only thing limiting you is yourself — you are worth it. Make 2023 your year. It’s the year that you can set and reach your goals.

Remember that as long as you are being true to yourself, that version of you is enough.

The new year is a great time to reflect and start fresh. By turning our comforts into more restorative options, we can improve our overall well-being without feeling deprived or restricted. Starting small will ultimately yield big results. Remember that progress, not perfection, is what’s important. So, let’s make this year one of slow and steady selfimprovement and have a Happy New Year!

Grocery shopping on a budget is always a challenge, and keeping food sustainable is another goal on many people’s minds. The Open Seat Food Pantry provides students with meal boxes at East Campus Mall. Free on Monday nights? Slow Food UW prepares a “pay what you can” meal each week to connect the campus community with sustainable food from farmers around southern Wisconsin.

Fun activities in Madison

While winter is still in town, try ice skating at the Shell during Open Skate, available five days a week,

The Winter Carnival is coming up, and the Wisconsin union is hosting a slew of free events for students, including guest speakers and film screenings. Speaking of films, the Wisconsin Union Directorate hosts movie nights weekly at Union South.

Balancing school, social life

If you’re three Bubblrs deep at 11 p.m. and don’t know where to go to finish that essay, Kwik Trip is open all night and has both table and countertop seating. Another late-night destination, the business library is regularly open until midnight.

For academic help, UW provides tutoring to students in sev- eral ways: “Drop-In” to GUTS for last-minute help on a tricky problem or make an appointment at the writing center.

And, to fill some free time, you could join a club! The student organization fair is Jan. 31 at the Kohl Center.

Shopping near campus Fashion fanatics will love the Dig-And-Save, where you can pay-bythe-pound and find cheap clothes and furniture alike. Proper interview attire is available for free to students at the Career Closet where you can select four pieces a semester.

This spring, you don’t have to walk around with wet shoes: locations around Madison like Burlington Coat factory sell discounted winter boots.

Although winter is long and cold, spring is almost here, and the hope for warmer weather and happy faces is growing every day.