Although you might still accidentally write “2019” when putting the date at the top of documents, it’s finally 2020. And with every new year comes new resolutions. We create admirable goals that we think will improve our lives and, at least for a second, feel that this will finally be the year we achieve them.

However, once all the confetti is swept up and we remove the glasses in the shape of the new year from our eyes, these broad ambitions begin to feel intimidating or even impossible. Luckily, there are practical approaches to some of the most common New Year’s resolutions that can make them seem a bit more doable.

If you want to spend more time doing the things you love

With schoolwork, jobs, extracurriculars and the many other responsibilities Washington University students juggle, it can be hard to take some time for yourself to explore the passions that aren’t necessarily related to your major or career ambitions. Even if you make plans to play a sport, paint, make music, design an app or pursue any other interest you may have, those are often the activities that are omitted first when things start to feel overwhelming.

One great way to make sure you make time for your hobbies is to find a class related to them. Whether it be a one-credit Physical Education class to take your mind off of stress, a University College art class that allows you to express yourself, or an English class that assigns the books you’ve been attempting to start for years, making a commitment to a course will not only ensure that you dedicate time to your passions but also get you credits toward graduation in the process.

If you want to be more active

Another common resolution is to improve one’s health, both mental and physical. For some, that means trying to add a bit more physical activity to their schedules. If you need a little more motivation, find a buddy! Make a commitment to a friend to exercise together a certain amount each week or month. Some fun activities could include taking a walk, attending a BearFit class, or going for a swim Sumers Recreation Center. Having another person with you will make you more likely to commit and also make the experience much more enjoyable.

If you want to get to know your professors more

One of the biggest pieces of advice freshmen receive is to attend their professors’ office hours, even if they have no specific questions or concerns. However, as the semester heats up, it’s easy to put this goal on the backburner. That’s why it’s good to start working toward this early. You can start small by making sure you attend one professor’s office hours by the end of the month or by introducing yourself after class. Also, emailing your professor in advance to tell them you will be attending their office hours will make you much more likely to actually go.

If you want to spend more time with friends

This may take a bit of advance planning, but mealtimes are a great way to get some much-needed social time into your packed schedule. Reach out to friends and see if they want to grab a quick lunch between classes or meet for dinner. If you’re taking the time to grab food, you can make it immensely more fun if you have someone to chat with as you stand in line or eat. Especially if you’re someone who has trouble studying while you eat, using the time you already have as a regular break to see the people you care about might brighten up your day a bit.