At the beginning of each new year, it is extremely easy to feel ambitious in making changes in your life. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it’s not exactly good, either, as setting your sights too high can lead to feeling defeated and let down before January even ends. It’s a good idea this year to set some realistic New Year’s Resolutions that can be more easily achieved.

1. Have fruits and veggies on your plate every day.

This one seems simple, and it should. It’s always easier to add things to your diet than to take things away, so telling yourself to add fruits and veggies to your plate will leave you feeling like you’re getting more, not like you’re depriving yourself and getting less. It’s also easier to maintain good habits when you take it day by day. It’s not about the choices you’re making a week from now, it’s about the ones you make in the present, and if the choices you make day after day are healthy ones, then your overall health will improve.

2. Try meditating twice a week.

We fail to notice the fact that our brain is constantly working. It’s always thinking and never gets time to relax — until we close our eyes to sleep at night. Luckily, though, meditation is a way to slow down your brain, and to get it to relax, even if it is only for five minutes. Meditation comes in many different forms, and finding one that works for you can be beneficial to your health. Whether it’s something as simple as taking the time to focus on your breathing, or something as intricate as your favorite yoga poses, there’s something for everyone. Making a promise to yourself to try meditation at least two times a week is a great resolution that will leave you feeling more positive and more in control of your life.

3. Walk to class more than you ride the bus.

At Iowa State, we are spoiled with an amazing bus system. There’s a route for wherever it is you need to go. The convenience of the app on our phones to tell us when and where our bus will arrive just contributes more to our laziness. And although it’s not as realistic in these frigid first months of the year, walking to class as much as possible is still something to keep in mind. Put on an extra layer and brave the cold. The walking will warm you up before you know it, and the extra movement will help keep you healthy.

These resolutions aren’t groundbreaking or major, and that’s OK. New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be “lose 20 pounds” or “no eating sugar,” they can be things more simple that, as time goes on, will show results. Always remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so don’t deprive yourself of nutrients or drive yourself insane on a fad diet. Make your resolutions ones that will make you healthier and happier.