15 New Years Resolutions For 2017

We are quickly approaching the end of 2016 and, I don't know about you, but I am ready for a clean start. Each year, we look forward to how much better it is going to be, and we hope to prepare ourselves by setting goals to eat healthier or go to the gym more often. But since 2016 was only the beginning of what appears to be a longer battle, it seems a good idea to set goals that don't require a gym membership, and help the emotional well-being of ourselves and those that support us through life. Here are a few ideas:

1. Stop saying sorry for things you are not sorry about

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157333469770925-892080998_When-Youre-Sorry.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=81&h=3ed3254f6eea13e03f6532afebafb6b27a97996af983b48330c47604cae5f7ec&size=980x&c=3015738169 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157333469770925-892080998_When-Youre-Sorry.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D81%26h%3D3ed3254f6eea13e03f6532afebafb6b27a97996af983b48330c47604cae5f7ec%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3015738169%22%7D" expand=1]

There is no point in apologizing for someone else bumping into you, taking a long time to respond to a text, or just saying sorry to say sorry. On the other hand, if you hurt yourself or someone else in any way, it is important to be able to set your ego aside and apologize.

2. Use more open body language

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157334347744423110677014_tumblr_m65qwp6Q9T1qbtdtlo1_500.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=184&h=274470f93d444aa771916fbf9cee3ffc3902a0e4dc44ded845aa8cfdab55079f&size=980x&c=2069373356 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157334347744423110677014_tumblr_m65qwp6Q9T1qbtdtlo1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D184%26h%3D274470f93d444aa771916fbf9cee3ffc3902a0e4dc44ded845aa8cfdab55079f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2069373356%22%7D" expand=1]

Crossing your arms in front of you or placing your back to others are signs that you are closed off. In these instances, your words may be interpreted in a way you didn't intend, just because of your body language. Facing the person you are talking to, having your hands beside you, and making eye contact are good ways to make sure they know you are open to the conversation.

3. Say yes more often to new experiences

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157858511762227265763073_635951835804639339-2013399615_1191.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=950&h=5b32d80533e14e6403964ca170685a036c953806084af677a0d6b524d2a16214&size=980x&c=3914936230 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157858511762227265763073_635951835804639339-2013399615_1191.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D950%26h%3D5b32d80533e14e6403964ca170685a036c953806084af677a0d6b524d2a16214%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3914936230%22%7D" expand=1]

It can be easy to say no to experiences that you have never had before, because of the unknown, but who knows? You may love it.

4. Get out of your comfort zone on a regular basis

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157857620279121-839455327_635725822992595673-307806205_7-How-I-Met-Your-Mother-quotes.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=192&h=f78edc775de51667c77cd5a25472db4b18b22177ec4a74e9136668dc5ee6bead&size=980x&c=2153962408 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157857620279121-839455327_635725822992595673-307806205_7-How-I-Met-Your-Mother-quotes.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D192%26h%3Df78edc775de51667c77cd5a25472db4b18b22177ec4a74e9136668dc5ee6bead%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2153962408%22%7D" expand=1]

Bouncing off of the last point, it is scary to do things that you haven't done before, but getting out of your comfort zone can be an opportunity on how to handle a variety of situations. Or you may find a new hobby.

5. Double, triple, quadruple text that person you are afraid of annoying

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F6361578606746188561221189161_giphy.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=234&h=1acd81a6684b253fd031e0b8fd4d5ad4457c03a9bcffdc0dc2c33629b9f74f8e&size=980x&c=2898248113 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F6361578606746188561221189161_giphy.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D234%26h%3D1acd81a6684b253fd031e0b8fd4d5ad4457c03a9bcffdc0dc2c33629b9f74f8e%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2898248113%22%7D" expand=1]

Because if they think you are annoying, screw them.

6. Take more candid pictures of your friends

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157860184627897858430540_giphy.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=418&h=0c1313c4dda1d29411a9ffcd5240a3e4e9c8f791cbd4bda0a42990d4c81bdbb4&size=980x&c=1906253014 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157860184627897858430540_giphy.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D418%26h%3D0c1313c4dda1d29411a9ffcd5240a3e4e9c8f791cbd4bda0a42990d4c81bdbb4%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1906253014%22%7D" expand=1]

Notice the things that make your friends happy and catch them in those moments. It is a cute memento for them, and you'll get to know more about those close to you.

7. Smile more

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157861168135902-439770280_tumblr_n3wk3y1KD51ttx0y9o1_500.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=592&h=cc3b16e0260032ed58b2284cb5f9459469d50c20399341152f3d272d805f7b34&size=980x&c=153794198 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157861168135902-439770280_tumblr_n3wk3y1KD51ttx0y9o1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D592%26h%3Dcc3b16e0260032ed58b2284cb5f9459469d50c20399341152f3d272d805f7b34%26size%3D980x%26c%3D153794198%22%7D" expand=1]

Even if you're just walking down the street.

8. Ask others for help when you need it

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F6361578617739073321486515245_help-will-always-be-given-at-hogwarts.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=36&h=fe53ea4fcc8de1f5240cc3ee6698999e33fe530206ff17b2758ca0c80afd266b&size=980x&c=1961160472 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F6361578617739073321486515245_help-will-always-be-given-at-hogwarts.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D36%26h%3Dfe53ea4fcc8de1f5240cc3ee6698999e33fe530206ff17b2758ca0c80afd266b%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1961160472%22%7D" expand=1]

That's what friends are for.

9. Get eight hours of sleep regularly

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157863259654581873661359_giphy.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=819&h=5c4f286c37c3b0dc4e19870fb9f18f806f8824a4f52a024131cac61d35a04c4f&size=980x&c=4137446142 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157863259654581873661359_giphy.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D819%26h%3D5c4f286c37c3b0dc4e19870fb9f18f806f8824a4f52a024131cac61d35a04c4f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D4137446142%22%7D" expand=1]

You may experience the feeling of being refreshed or waking up less tired than when you went to bed.

10. Learn to enjoy spending time by yourself

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157863852522307389403313_giphy.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=744&h=c39d9b5b6122d005c3a0c63e39fd641e91689802a43e155ed798d1e3e640556a&size=980x&c=1521691944 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157863852522307389403313_giphy.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D744%26h%3Dc39d9b5b6122d005c3a0c63e39fd641e91689802a43e155ed798d1e3e640556a%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1521691944%22%7D" expand=1]

We're told that it is important to socialize and spend time with friends, but there is nothing wrong with spending as much time as you need alone.

11. Be a better friend

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157866400717264-445003212_636078643978400250-1662812564_scrubsgif.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=289&h=3ecfb1f245d5d4131fc48515199d20af6de363fa424eb5f1b40c08e82f4a24d1&size=980x&c=1868966305 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157866400717264-445003212_636078643978400250-1662812564_scrubsgif.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D289%26h%3D3ecfb1f245d5d4131fc48515199d20af6de363fa424eb5f1b40c08e82f4a24d1%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1868966305%22%7D" expand=1]

Call or text on a more regular basis is a good place to start. And maybe tell them how much they mean to you.

12. Make a budget and stick to it

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F6361578675309133362042429989_tumblr_nax193ueSi1qdjbb7o1_400.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=411&h=5d583509915519ee6cf06171c6d996285cf92e233e480e834d20a9378c758e24&size=980x&c=94140933 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F6361578675309133362042429989_tumblr_nax193ueSi1qdjbb7o1_400.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D411%26h%3D5d583509915519ee6cf06171c6d996285cf92e233e480e834d20a9378c758e24%26size%3D980x%26c%3D94140933%22%7D" expand=1]

Do you really need that obscure kitchen utensil?

13. Tell others how you honestly feel, when they ask

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157868653480655906979690_qx5Q5.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=666&h=5cc5fd3620c4febabf4f7a9baeb5764a1e1ac78c7b832524d43205d91a302e02&size=980x&c=1505102419 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157868653480655906979690_qx5Q5.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D666%26h%3D5cc5fd3620c4febabf4f7a9baeb5764a1e1ac78c7b832524d43205d91a302e02%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1505102419%22%7D" expand=1]

Life to too short to respond to other's "How are you?" with "good" when things are not good.

14. Surprise yourself by doing something that is just not "you"

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F636157869950551819-1933734366_tumblr_inline_mw2a1tKBjn1rwq4a3.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=126&h=c9e5b2c9766adf4faa802a5f8714f7530fe8b9b68406bf00964088c4c572ed38&size=980x&c=3055785325 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F636157869950551819-1933734366_tumblr_inline_mw2a1tKBjn1rwq4a3.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D126%26h%3Dc9e5b2c9766adf4faa802a5f8714f7530fe8b9b68406bf00964088c4c572ed38%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3055785325%22%7D" expand=1]

You just don't pamper yourself? Do it. Not the type to kiss on the first date? Give it a whirl.

15. Do something about the things that you normally just complain about

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F11%2F26%2F6361578708941404311068894932_tumblr_nd2wh3koYG1tq4of6o1_500.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=934&h=8008fa737df54e49ccba94b923a62970d74075c12967d89234f8e0c90f19c848&size=980x&c=1569902498 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F11%252F26%252F6361578708941404311068894932_tumblr_nd2wh3koYG1tq4of6o1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D934%26h%3D8008fa737df54e49ccba94b923a62970d74075c12967d89234f8e0c90f19c848%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1569902498%22%7D" expand=1]

Stop complaining about stuff you have control over and do something about it. Anything. Whatever you can do, do it. And if none of it works, then go ahead and resume complaining.