Sometimes we all just need to sit back and take some time for ourselves in our ever-changing, busy lives. Wherever you’re at in life, there is always room for improvement with yourself, and that’s something everyone should strive to do. Although there are millions of ways to be a better version of you, here are some I think are important.

1. Get involved with new things.

Let's be honest, stepping out of your comfort zone can always be a bit terrifying. Most days, we want to stick with our basic routine and our common interests. But instead of sticking to what we know and love, whether that be sitting in bed watching Netflix all day or playing a killer sport, try to join something you think is out of the ordinary! Sign up for a cooking class, hit up the gym for some hot yoga, or pick up a hobby you thought was interesting. Part of learning and growing as a person is being able to put yourself out there, and hey, you never know until you try. You could end up finding a new niche and gaining a new skill in the process.

2. Educate yourself.

Everyone seems to complain about school and classes which is totally understandable — sitting through lectures and doing 12 hours of homework is never the most exciting thing. But what about learning about something you’re truly interested in? Every person should want to learn about something; We have to feed our minds with knowledge to grow as people. So spend time learning about something that you’re interested in, whether that be current politics or calculus. It’s always great to have a little knowledge about a wide range of topics to make you feel more confident with talking to others about various topics.

3. Open your mind.

As people, we are always growing and changing. It is important that we keep our minds and hearts open into accepting new ideas and people. New perspectives can further our own growth and help us to keep our minds not so focused on ourselves but also on new ideas. When you close yourself off to others or to certain things because of pre-judgements, you are only shorting yourself what could have been possibly a great friendship or something that's a new favorite. Opening your mind will create a whole new world of possibilities.

4. Take care of yourself.

While constantly running through our busy lives, we do not always have time to take care of our own minds and bodies. Eat healthier and try to do more physical activity. It’s super easy to take the stairs wherever you may be or just get fruit and vegetables instead of pizza. Take time for your mental health as well. Go on walks, try yoga, or even just read your favorite book. Taking time to destress and hear your own thoughts is an important part to your sanity between classes, work, and all the other craziness life throws at you. Healthier choices will boost your energy and make you feel better in the long.

5. Get on a schedule.

Getting on a routine is the easiest way to make sure your life isn't all over the place. Set some time aside to plan your days accordingly to what you want to achieve and rely on the schedule to help you achieve it! Planning your time accordingly will help you feel totally in control of everything in your day and it will help you put your goals into a manageable less stressful time frame.

6. Surround yourself with those who want you to succeed.

We have all heard something along the lines of “you become who you surround yourself with.” From first-hand experience, I can say this is entirely true. That being said, it is important to surround yourself with people focused on their own goals and aspirations, and who will push you to achieve yours. True friends will push you to be a better you because they want to see you succeed and be happy. Find those people and never let them go. But until then, evaluate the people in your life and really contemplate if they are building you up or breaking you down.

7. Give compliments.

Although giving a compliment seems like a small task, it can brighten someone else’s day, in return, brightening your own. Everyone around you is struggling with an inner battle you know nothing about and that one compliment could completely change their mood around. Knowing that you are trying to brighten peoples' days and genuinely care will make you feel better about you as well.

8. Travel.

Traveling anywhere can diversify your viewpoints and your mindset. Traveling helps you to feel like your not trapped in the little box of your own life; it reminds you that there’s so much more to this world to see then just your hometown. Learning differences from around the world and even just from around the country is so interesting and definitely something everyone should experience.

9. Be spontaneous.

Although it’s great to be in a routine, what’s life without a little spontaneity and surprise? Being spontaneous allows you to live in the moment and to get outside of your comfort zone. So go do something you wouldn't normally do. Say what’s on your mind, get a new piercing, go on a shopping spree, just have fun! Although it’s great to be organized and scheduled, being spontaneous can make you feel free and de-stress yourself to the overwhelming things going on in our heads.

10. Give your time to others.

Nothing feels more rewarding than being able to help those in need and volunteer your time to others. Although we ourselves have busy, hectic lives, it is important to stop and remind yourself that you can make a difference in the world even by doing small actions of kindness for those around you. Volunteering will make you feel much more accomplished and just overall happier inside. It’s nice knowing that you can truly make a difference to those around you, and hey, you might meet some great new people in the process!