Tired of the same old routine? Start making your New Years’ resolutions by looking into some of these ideas to bring creativity and adventure into your lifestyle.

1. Try something new

They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Trying something new can allow you to explore different interests and begin new adventures.  The following is a few examples of interesting and unique activities.

Take an art class. Art club meets Wednesdays after school, and Roudenbush always offers all types of art classes such as a Boxwood Tree Making Workshop and pottery classes. Click here to see more about the art classes Roudenbush offers.

Learn to make foods that aren’t mac n’ cheese and cereal. Instead, eat good but healthy foods like fruit salad, Nutella and strawberries, or peanut butter and apples.

Learn to play a new instrument: Guitar, Piano, Harp

2. Take a break

Although school can be stressful, it is extremely important to remember to take time to relax and de-stress. Be active! Exercising provides you with a sense of accomplishment and releases endorphins which help to make you happy.

• Go for a Run
• Play active games like Just Dance on any video game console
• Find a friend to work-out with
• Try a new sport: Quidditch, Yoga, Boxing
• Sleep is success: Don’t study for 4 hours straight from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

  

3. Take time to help your community

Community service is a great way to meet new people, to help better the community, and to experience different opportunities for free.  Click here for a link to an article about multiple community service opportunities near Westford.

4. Transition from coffee to hot chocolate

Switch up the normal Dunkin’ routine and make hot chocolate, try different brands of tea, or even try hot apple cider

• Need another reason to quit caffine? Look out for the Ghostwriter’s upcoming articles on students’ addiction to caffeine.

5. Travel around

Traveling to places even around New England can broaden your horizons and introduce new people and experiences.

• Take a road trip to states around Massachusetts
• Spend a day in Boston in a place beyond the famous Quincy Market
• Go skiing or snowboarding at Nashoba Valley or Watchusett Mountain

Students can suggest a family road trip to their families, take the T into Boston, or find local bus trips to mountains such as Watchusett.

6. Track how much you spend

Whether you have a job or not, it is extremely important to watch what you spend.  Setting aside even five dollars once a month can help with gas money or paying for that guitar lesson you always wanted to take.  Many people get money over the holidays or from working and want to spend it immediately.  However, saving money for something as big as a car or as small as breakfast with friends can really pay off.

7. Take time for family and friends

Your family and friends always have your back, so even after the holiday season ends, plan to spend more time with them. Host a family game night once a week or save a Friday night for your friends.

Family Game Night games:

• Taboo
• Yatzee
• Apples to Apples

Friday night with Friend ideas:

• Dave and Buster’s
• Sky Zone
• Bowling
• Lazer Tag at Skate 3