Sometimes getting caught up in the madness of stress with school, work, friends, or even the holidays, can cause us to feel sluggish. The overwhelming chaos that gets caught up in the midst of our lives may cause a change of attitude — and not always in a good way. With the new year approaching, it’s important to take into consideration the immense possibilities that could come your way. In order for this year to be one that you have always hoped for, you need to allow yourself to be your best self. Here are a few things to take into consideration as you welcome 2015 with a healthy mindset:   

1. Get a planner. 

I promise, you won’t regret it. It helps you to plan ahead, begin a routine, know how much free time you have, and record information that you could not possibly remember on a day-to-day basis. If you use it right, a planner will assist you in using those “wasted hours” wisely.   

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.  

3. Follow the three R’s: 

Respect for self, respect for others, and responsibility for all your actions.  

4. Spend some time alone every day. 

Sleep, binge on Netflix, or get some fresh air at the nearest park. Too many hours slaving over your job and homework will easily break you.   

5. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.    

6. Maintain a budget. 

Having your card get declined from too many late-night Waffle House runs is kind of upsetting, is it not? Keep up with how much you spend on groceries, rent, and eating out. Having the right balance between how much you spend and how much you put in is crucial.   

7. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. 

Life is not meant to be lived in one place.   

8. Get out more.

Some days it is nice to curl up with a good book, while on other days, we need to get fresh air. Ride a bike. Throw a baseball. Go for a run. Being active leads to a positive body and mind.   

9. Study, study, school’s your buddy. 

Even on days where the terms that you studied for hours go through one ear and out the other, just remember that school is here to teach you, mend you, and mold you into your future self. Attend class. Take notes. Know when you have an assignment due. It all matters!   

10. Let it go, let it go, turn away and slam {that door that your ex is holding}. 

But really, let it go. The senseless heartaches and disputes are not worth the added stress. It’s time to put the past in the past and allow the new year to bring you larger experiences!   

11. Say “I love you” more. 

Don’t hang up the phone with your parents without saying it. We are too busy getting caught up in our own worlds and agonizing over the thought of us getting older that we forget our parents are getting older, too.   

As Socrates profoundly stated, “The secret to change is not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” 

As you take on this upcoming year, do not grieve on the days in which you didn’t get enough done, you lost track of time, or even the days in which you wanted to buckle under. Remember that in order to be your best self, you must be open to making adjustments within your life.