We are all guilty of making resolutions for what will undoubtedly be "a better year than the last". "Leave all the fake people in 2016" or "Find true love" and "Be less of a train wreck" were just a couple of the resolutions that I saw on my twitter feed New Years Day. To many, 2016 was the worst year in the history of time and space. For others, it was just like any other year. For some, it was exceptionally great. There is always room to improve ourselves, and our lives in small ways each day. Making resolutions allow people to set a concrete goal for the New Year, based off of past experiences or actions that they want to change in the future. However, making a resolution is the easy part! Keeping the resolution is the challenge for most people. Setting realistic goals that are easy to stick to is a sure fire method to be on your way to a better, brighter 2017. Here are 10 resolutions for college students that are easy to start, and easy to stick to.

1. Come up with one positive thing about your day before you go to bed at night.

No matter how bad a day you may have had, there is always something good in everyday.

2. Exercise at least three times a week.

Exercising releases endorphins, which make you feel happy! Exercising during the week can make you feel better, give you a much needed break from school work, and help you get in shape. It only takes 21 days to form a habit and this habit will lead you down a path toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

3. DRINK MORE WATER.

Make it a goal to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. An easy way to do this is by investing in a refillable water bottle (also good for the environment). Drinking the daily recommended amount of water can help you to feel more awake, stay hydrated throughout the day, and make you feel more full- which leads to less snacking throughout the day!

4. Make a budget and stick to it!

Every college student knows the struggle of using their debit card like a gift card (never really knowing how much is on it, every purchase is a gamble). Instead of walking away from the checkout counter in shame, create a budget so that you know how much you can spend each week. Consider absolute necessities such as gas, groceries and rent first. Then, set a small amount aside for fun things like going out on Saturday night, or ordering a pizza. It's easier said than done to stick to a budget, especially when it feels like everyone else around you buys what they want, whenever they want. However, budgeting is going to be a part of our lives for the rest of our lives, and we might as well start developing good habits in college!

5. Finish assignments a day in advance.

This way, you're not staying up late the night before finishing a paper you could have done three days ago. Doing this will allow more time to focus on other assignments, or time to relax.

6. Take time during the week for yourself.

Put down your phone. Pick up a cup of tea and cuddle up with some netflix. Take an hour a day to just unwind without any distractions.

7. Be kind.

As my grandfather said "always be gentle, always be kind". In a world full of so much negativity and hate, we should all make it our goals to go out of our way to be kinder to one another.

8. Stay organized.

Keep a calendar, a planner, or even a hand made to do list of things that have to get done and when they need to be done by. It is incredibly satisfying checking things off of a to do list, and knowing that you're on top of things!

9. Do something nice for a friend or significant other once a week.

Whether it's leaving a happy note, or making a batch of cookies on a bad day, the people close to you will appreciate the little gestures you make to brighten their day.

10. Make every year better than the last.

Instead of going into 2017 with the mindset "Nothing will be as bad as 2016", go in with the mindset "I am going to make this my year!" Have a positive mindset and work towards attainable goals!! The universe will not let you down.