Everyone knows the saying, "New year, new me." For me, I'm gearing 2017 toward being a happier person. Between the stresses of school and work sometimes I feel myself in a deep rut most days of the week. After doing some reflecting I decided to dedicate this year to finding new ways to become happy and I'm here to share my secrets with you.

1. Smile.

The obvious. But studies show that smiling helps to put you in a better mood. So turn your frowns upside down!

2. Become organized.

A clean life is a happy life. Staying organized helps prevent stress which in turn will make you a happier person!

3. Get rid of negative people in your life.

I've learned this the hard way, but its never felt better to have gotten rid of the negative people in my life. It sucks losing "friends" but were they ever actually friends to me?

4. Buy yourself flowers.

Because they're pretty and you deserve them!

5. Workout.

You might dread it, but it helps relieve stress and it makes you feel good. Who knows, maybe you'll even lose weight!

Surround yourself with positivity this year and you will go into 2018 being a better version of yourself!

Happy New Year!