New year, new you-- right? While I've hardly been one to stick to a New Year's Resolution (I've planned to "get into better shape" for the past four years in a row), I do believe that resolution-making can have a positive effect. One pattern I've noticed, however, is that the most common resolutions encourage physical change: exercise more, eat less of this, eat more of that, etc.

But even more important than our physical selves, we need to prioritize our mental and emotional health and wellness. In order to do that, here are 17 things to quit doing during 2017:

1. Dwelling on the past.

Let's start this new year off right with a clean slate. Rather than focusing on things you've missed out on, look forward to the opportunities you may not even know are awaiting you.

2. Worrying about things that are out of your control.

Worrying does nothing except cause wrinkles. Do whatever is in your power, and then accept whatever lies outside of it.

3. Being your own worst critic.

Guess what? People are going to criticize you for everything in your life: your job, your love life, your parenting-- you name it, someone is going to have a problem with it. This is one of those things that fall into #2... you can't control it. So do yourself a favor and don't add your own criticism to the list. Self-loathing gets you nowhere.

4. Refusing compliments.

When someone gives you a compliment, TAKE. IT. Even if it makes you uncomfortable. If you are one who likes to deny a compliment or bounce it back to the other person, I challenge you to try this: every time someone compliments you, smile and say thank you. Nothing else. You probably deserve it.

5. Selling yourself short.

It's ok to be proud of yourself. Being excited about something you did well does not equate to bragging. While you might not need to go write a paragraph status about it on Facebook, don't hesitate to give yourself a pat on the back. You're worth it.

6. Taking things for granted.

This applies to so many different situations: people, opportunities, material goods. Count your blessings and use them for the sake of good.

7. Lying to yourself.

It's ok to not be ok. It's ok to admit weakness. It's ok to show vulnerability. Don't push things to the back of your mind just for simplicity's sake. It only postpones the problem; it doesn't eliminate it.

8. Worrying about a damn number on a scale or clothing tag.

Again, most New Year's resolutions come back to numbers. To something you can quantify and easily see whether you've succeeded or not. But more important than weight or pant size is how you look and feel. If your body does what you want it to do and you feel beautiful, who cares if you're 10 pounds heavier than you'd like.

9. Being scared to speak your mind.

"Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." You are entitled to your opinion. And if people around you have a tendency to make your opinions feel small or insignificant, then those aren't the people you should be surrounding yourself with.

10. Comparing yourself to other people.

No good can ever come of this. Each of us is different in so many ways-- personality, looks, shapes, sizes. And at the root of these differences is SCIENCE. Your genes control so much of who you are, and only you have them (excluding the lovely identical twins out there). You can't hold yourself to a standard of some entirely different human being.

11. Holding on to friends who don't return the favor.

One-sided friendships are exhausting and quite frankly, not worth your time. The can be emotionally draining and often end in resentment and pain. Let go and move on to friends who want to be in your life.

12. Second guessing yourself.

It's pointless. After something is done, there isn't much you can do to change it. Refer once again to #2-- worrying won't change anything. Don't be afraid to trust your gut.

13. Feeling like you have to hold things in.

Whatever trial you are enduring, chances are that you aren't alone. Don't ever feel like you are a burden, because the people that deserve to be in your life won't feel that way. Don't feel like a topic that effects you is taboo or not worth someone's time-- you matter.

14. Validating yourself through others.

It doesn't matter how many friends you have, how many snapchats or text messages you get in a day. In order to be truly happy, you need to be happy with yourself. Stop searching for someone who makes you feel beautiful or smart or happy. Look in the mirror and see those things for yourself.

15. Trying to give more than you have.

You can't pour love from an empty cup. It's good to put others before yourself, but that doesn't mean you can neglect your own wellbeing. Take care of yourself first so that you can be better suited to take care of others.

16. Attempting to prove your worth to people.

A true friend will see and appreciate your worth without any assistance. If you feel like you are constantly trying to show people why you are worth their time, they probably aren't worth yours.

17. Constantly looking forward to the next thing.

Live in the moment. So much of our lives are focused on reaching goals and milestones-- high school, graduation, college, graduation, first job, retirement, then what? We need to shift our focus from the upcoming mile marker to the very spot we are standing on. Because every minute you live passes, and you will never live that moment again.

These 17 things seem like a lot. And most of them are more difficult than they seem. So maybe choose three or four that you know you could benefit from. Don't expect them to be an overnight change-- they will come gradually and will require constant reflection and thought. But taking steps to enforce some of these habits in your life will not only lead to a great new year, but to a healthier and happier you.