It's now one month into 2018 and all of your New Year's resolutions still feel like distant reveries. Your gym sneakers remain in the corner of your closet and a stack of books is left untouched on your nightstand.

News flash: these resolutions fail inevitably. Why? The answer is simple. A new year, week or month will not initiate major lifestyle changes. The only way an individual can truly change her life is by forming new habits. To create a habit is to rewire the brain.

In this article, I will share with you 18 habits to form in 2018 that will leave you calmer, happier and healthier. Though they may seem silly, I promise their daily practice will lead to great results and the achievement of your long-term goals.

Small changes will make big differences. Let the practice of these habits bring you the discipline and mindset you need to accomplish anything:

1. Journal, journal, journal

Write down your daily goals. Write down that funny thing your sister told on the phone this morning. Write down every inspiring idea you see while scrolling through your Pinterest feed. Write down anything. Your journal doesn't have to be organized; make it your own. Carry it with you in your bag or backpack and write in it as you please. Every day, I list three things for which I am grateful. When I am having a bad day, I look back at these notes of gratitude to remind myself of all I have to be happy about.

2. Drinks LOTS of water

I know, you're sick of hearing everyone preach about it... but I promise you'll thank me later. You may need to pee quite often, but suffering through the manifold of bathroom breaks will flush your body of toxins, prevent bloating, help you drop a few pounds and clear your skin. This all sounds pretty good to me.

3. Write down the things that make you happy

At the end of each day, write down just one thing that makes you happy. There is some good in every day, no matter how small. Remind yourself of it.

4. Less coffee, more tea.

This is easier said than done but you'll be thankful when you're less anxious and sleeping like a baby.

5. Be more positive.

I know you've heard it time and time again. But it really is true that changing your mindset will change your life. Not only will you be happier, but those who surround you will be happier too. Positive energy is radiant and contagious.

6. Save more money.

I know that it's quite tempting to blow your entire paycheck at the mall. But money will alway looks more attractive in your savings account than it will as a new pair of earrings or a new shade of lipstick. Save it for emergencies, travel or the car you've had your eye on; practicing delayed gratification will leave you feeling rewarded and less stressed.

7. Be mindful of what you put into your body.

I know that fries and ice cream are just too delicious to give up. These treats should certainly be enjoyed from time to time, but poor diets are linked to a variety of diseases and, overall, will leave you feeling tired, irritable and bloated. Not only will a diet that is well balanced in healthy carbs, proteins and fats prevent these same diseases, but they will leave you feeling better than you've ever felt before. Make small changes: try cutting back on chips for a week or eating vegetables at dinner every night.Your body really is your temple. Treat it kindly. Follow me on Instagram for healthy meal ideas!

8. Less screen time.

It's nearly impossible to finish an assignment when your phone is sitting in front of you, tempting you, taunting you with every notification. Save the binge-watching and Instagram stalking for later. Let screen time be a reward for ticking off the items on your to-do list. Keep your phone in a drawer or out of sight for just an hour every day and you will accomplish much more.

9. Try something new every month.

Tying a new activity raises the brain's levels of dopamine, the chemical associated with enjoyment. Picking up a new hobby will put you in a happier mindset.

10. Work out every day.

This doesn't mean you need to run a marathon; simply taking a walk around the neighborhood or lifting light weights at home will be enough to relieve stress and increase energy levels.

11. Make more meals at home.

Do your wallet a favor and cook at home more often. Buy the ingredients to make your favorite takeout meals. Not only will you save money but your meals will be much healthier. Try making a rule to eat out only on weekends or special occasions.

12. Prioritize proper skincare.

Create a consistent skincare routine. Try to find products without harmful chemicals, parabens or synthetic colors. Drink enough water, eat, less sugar and frequently change your sheets and pillowcases- your skin will be clearer than ever.

13. Meditate.

Practicing a few moments of mindfulness each day is proven to ease anxiety, reduce stress and improve concentration. I like to take thirty deep breaths every morning to put myself in a calmer and more collected state of mind.

14. Get up early.

I know it's easier said than done, but getting up early truly will make make your morning less chaotic. Every morning I'm up at 5:30, allowing myself enough time to journal, make a healthy breakfast, work out and complete my makeup to perfection. Try setting your alarm a bit earlier each day until you're finally able to rise at the hour of your choosing.

15. Make time for your friends and family.

In today's hectic, demanding society, we tend to focus solely on the tasks we must accomplish, forgetting to schedule time for our loved ones. Take a few hours throughout the week to pause and catch up with friends. Grabbing lunch or going on a quick coffee date will not be detrimental to your workflow.

16. Take breaks from social media.

Whenever I need a mental health day, I delete all of my social media apps. You should take the day to focus on yourself and your needs, not on what your friends are posting on their Snapchat stories.

17. S T R E T C H.

I cannot stretch this one enough. Stretching relieves muscle tension and prevents injuries. Flexible people are happy people.

18. Put yourself first.

Last but not least... prioritize yourself in 2018. Make sure that you are happy and healthy before all else.

I hope you'll take the to form each of these habits. I promise that doing so will leave you mentally, physically and emotionally healthier. Remember that small changes amount to great results. Change your habits, change your life. Kick 2018's butt.