Have you ever felt like you need to make a change or that your life isn’t really the way you want it to be? It’s a frustrating feeling and often it’s hard to recognize this and do something about it. One of my best friends is so positive, happy and grateful all the time and she has really encouraged me to lead my life the same way. I have learned that cleansing your mind and body is the best way to take control of your life. It’s so important that we love ourselves, love others and enjoy the life we are given, so here are 12 ways to improve your happiness and your life.

1. Drink more water.

Sometimes we forget how important it is to drink water. The benefits of drinking water are endless, including healthy skin and hair, a faster metabolism, increased energy and less headaches. Start downing water throughout the day, and before you know it all the perks will be right at your fingertips!

2. Eat healthier.

It isn’t always easy to eat healthy, but it’s definitely important! You don’t need to go crazy and cut out all sugars, carbs and dairy, but try picking up some good eating habits. Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins into your meals and avoid processed foods. The trick is: the more colorful your plate is, the better it is for you. A good way to keep track of what you are eating is to prepare your own meals -- this way you control what goes into your body. It’s also a great way to save money! You can still have pizza or ice cream sometimes, but don’t go nuts! A clean diet will have you waking up feeling great and confident about yourself!

3. Sleep!

Sleep is so important. You’re at your best when you’re well rested! It doesn’t have to be the recommended eight hours of sleep, but whatever makes you feel happy and eager to take on the day. It’s so difficult to be productive during the day when you can barely keep your eyes open and you feel hazy and moody, so try to catch some z’s!

4. Work out.

Working out is a great way to clarify your mind and body. You can do anything -- whether it’s going for a walk outside, taking a yoga class or lifting weights in the gym. A good workout clears your mind and releases any negative thoughts you have. It helps you sleep better, improves confidence, increases energy and reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Get into the habit of working out two to four days a week and you’ll feel rejuvenated, cheerful and healthier in no time!

5. Be present

Yes, that means putting your phone down, getting off Instagram and Twitter and living in the moment! I hate it when I’m out with my friends and we spend all our time together staring at our phones. We get so consumed with the world of social media that we all forget to be present in our actual lives. So stop. Stop worrying about how many likes you got on your last picture. Stop wondering about who your ex is Snapchatting. Stop checking who has tweeted something in the last four minutes.

Take in the world around you and be involved in what’s happening. Look around and see your friends laughing and your brother smiling. Ask your sister how her day was over lunch, take your dog to the beach and breathe in the salty air. Pick up your best friend and take her somewhere she’s always wanted to go. Allow yourself to go out and experience life. There’s so much out there that you haven’t seen yet, so start now and go on an adventure!

6. Surround yourself with positivity.

You are who you surround yourself with! One of the most important decisions we make in life is who we choose to be around. It is so, so important to keep your inner circle full of people who are beneficial to your health. Your closest friends should help build your self-confidence, make you try new things and give you new perspectives that you never would’ve found without them. Be with the the people who make you happy, make you laugh and genuinely care about your overall well-being.

7. Be you.

In this generation, people are always trying to imitate someone else. No one is truly themselves and we all hide behind a persona of what we want the world to see us as. Stop worrying about what people think. Stop trying to doll yourself up so the guy you like notices you. Stop letting other people define you. You are who you are, so own it. Embrace your flaws. Let your talents shine. Find your passion in life and chase after your dreams. Live your life for you. Life’s way too short to hide behind a mask.

8. Make someone's day.

Being kind to others is great for everyone. Compliment the girl who sits next to you in math when you think she looks pretty. Call your grandma and see how she’s doing. Pay for a stranger’s coffee. Send flowers to your friend when she’s feeling stressed. Do random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. The little gestures in life mean everything.

9. Laugh more.

Nothing is better for your spirit than a good laugh. Laughing makes you feel good. Forget any judgments or criticism -- get the troubles out of your head and express yourself. Look at everything in a lighter view and laugh. It’s so contagious -- before you know it the entire room can be laughing. Spread your joy.

10. Take a vacation.

I know it can be hard to hop on a plane and fly across the country. It’s also super expensive and requires a fair amount of planning, but a vacation doesn’t have to be far. Sometimes all you need is to buy a train ticket and go into the city for the weekend, or get in the car and drive for four hours into the countryside. Take your best friends or siblings with you. Traveling is the best form of education. You’ll be surrounded by people who all have their own lives and you’ll find yourself learning from them.

It is so important to be immersed in different cultures. You’ll be a kinder and more understanding person. Sometimes you just need a change in scenery to change your mindset. Engulf yourself in a world you know nothing about. Gain a new perspective and make memories with your friends, because the times you share together will last a lifetime.

11. Write.

Keep a journal and write everything down. Write what you ate for breakfast, or why you’re mad at your parents. Write about how beautiful the sky looked last night and your goals for the future. Write out why you love that boy with the brown eyes so much. Write down everything you want to remember 10 years from now. Writing is a wonderful way to de-clutter your mind. It’s satisfying to let out your thoughts and emotions and it’s a great way to release any negative energy and get clarity out of a situation.

12. Don't wait.

Don’t put life off. Don’t wait for “later.” Figure out everything you want and go for it. Just take a step forward and begin doing all the things that make you happy. You won’t regret it.