This year, let’s improve our well-being and positively impact our peers through smart decision-making and mindful habit-building. Here’s my take on the “Ins” and “Outs” of 2025.
INS:
Getting Enough Sleep
Congrats! You made it to 2025. Now, it's time to prioritize your rest! Make sure you are
getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep every night to ensure you are well-rested.
Even if you have a big test or homework assignment to do, sleep is key to improving your focus on these important assignments!
Being Creative
When was the last time you did something creative? Sometimes life can be overwhelming and busy so you don’t feel like there is time to be creative- in 2025, let’s change that! Take some time to participate in your favorite creative activities, whether that be drawing, photography, or something else. Studies show that when we are creative, we can reduce our levels of stress and anxiety, along with boosting cognitive function.
Hosting Chapter Events
2025 is the year of SADD! We want to see you hosting events for your
community throughout the year. Here’s a tip: collaborate with your chapter to create a list of goals for 2025. It could be as simple as gaining a few new members or hosting a community-wide event raising awareness about substance abuse. No matter how big or small, your hard work counts and we want to see your chapter thrive in 2025!
Drinking Water
It is something we are all guilty of… not drinking enough water. In 2025, let’s brainstorm some habits to improve our water intake. My favorite trick is flavoring my water with fruits like lemons or berries. You might like carrying a reusable water bottle that has milestones throughout the day for you to reach. Either way, a few minor changes can help you feel more hydrated throughout the day! (and don’t forget to wash those bottles out now and then!)
SADD Social Media
Picture this: your chapter just hosted a huge event for the community. You spent
weeks preparing this event, coordinating meetings, and inviting the community to help support your chapter. It goes amazing and is the best turnout for an event your chapter has had in years! But wait- no one outside of your community knows that it is happening. Here’s an easy fix… take pictures! While I highly encourage you to stay in the moment and enjoy your chapter’s event, sharing your pictures with SADD can be a great way to give other chapters inspiration! SADD wants to highlight your chapter and all the hard work you put into making this event successful. Take a minute to snap a photo and share it with us at SADD!
OUTS
Peer Pressure
In 2025, peer pressure is a thing of the past. 2025 is all about standing your ground and owning your choices! Whether you are saying no to something that does not feel right or refusing to participate in a destructive activity, you are always allowed to say no!
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
2025 is about being in the present and focusing on where you are, not where everyone else is! It is important that you value alone time just as much as you value time with friends. Take a breath, and enjoy this time, because you are not missing anything by taking care of yourself!
High Screentime
Doom Scrolling is everyone’s biggest enemy. It might seem fun scrolling for all those hours, but it can often make you feel more overwhelmed or stressed. It is challenging to stop scrolling, so I suggest setting small reminders on your phone to let you know when you have spent a lot of time on an app. During my finals week, I deleted all social media which allowed me to focus solely on my exams and I felt so much better. You don’t have to delete your social media apps, but taking some time away can make a big difference!
Not Wearing Your Seatbelt
Seatbelts, seatbelts, seatbelts! Even if you always wear your seatbelt, remind friends and family to do the same. Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of injury in a car crash. Keep your loved ones safe and tell them to buckle up!
Comparing Yourself to Others
2025 is all about YOU and no one else! One of my favorite quotes is “comparison is the thief of joy.” I remind myself of this quote because it rings true every time I compare myself to others. Some tips to combat comparison are reminding yourself of your own strengths and accomplishments because you have done and will do amazing things in life! Challenge those negative thoughts with positive ones.
With these “ins” and “outs”, I hope you can create some goals and maybe ditch some bad habits in 2025. No matter how big or small, the new year brings about a lot of change. Don’t feel stressed…remember that with new things come opportunities for growth, learning, and experiences! Happy 2025!
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Need more 2025 inspo? Check out sadd.org/programs!
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