I know that a good chunk of you have probably already read a bunch of articles telling you what kinds of resolutions you should and shouldn't make for 2016. I'm not one to make resolutions solely at the beginning of each year, but I am one to definitely reset my attitude to make this new year a successful one.

As a senior in college, I'm determined to make these last few months really count. I'm sure other seniors out there can relate to not wanting to graduate so that we don't have to face the grueling reality of big girl jobs and paying back student loans (vom). It truly has been the best four years of my life, but I'm ready to welcome the new year with all the big changes it'll bring.

Here's how I plan on making this next year the best one yet, maybe you can add these things to your checklist, too:

Go out with your friends whenever you can

If you were to ask any of my friends or sisters, they can absolutely verify that I have barely gone out since my junior year. I have turned into a grandma who thoroughly enjoys burrowing myself in my fuzzy blankets with Netflix and a glass (or six) of wine. Recently, two of my alumni friends encouraged me to go out as much as I did my freshman and sophomore years. They assured me that going out with work friends after college isn't the same as going out with your sisters, so I'm going to cherish the next 19 weekends I have with them.

Try not to work 24/7

For all you workaholics and money-lovers out there, this is probably going to be the hardest thing to do. This picture is a literal representation of me — one of my good friends from home tagged me in it on Twitter a few weeks ago. Even though I work multiple jobs, I never say no to a shift whenever possible, so this is definitely going to be hard for me to cut back on. Although my bank account is happy with my current lifestyle, my body and social life? Not so much. I've slowly forced myself to accept that I literally have the rest of my life to make money; I need to enjoy my freedom while I can.

Travel

Traveling provides the greatest experiences for people. You can ask anyone who has studied abroad or traveled outside of their native country before — it can be life-changing. You're immersing yourself into an alien environment, which encourages personal growth and exposes you to new things. You'll learn about a new language, new foods, a new culture, and a new lifestyle. You become more independent and tolerant of others.

Something that might be cool to start is a travel journal or blog to keep track of your experiences. If you aspire to become a world traveler, you could buy a world map and use pins to locate all the different places you've visited.

Try something new

This may sound cliché, but you really need to try it if you haven't before. This is a great way to step out of your comfort zone for personal growth. It can be anything from trying new food to overcoming one of your deepest fears. I'm not saying you need to face them all, but try to overcome at least one, whether it's big or small. You'll be more confident in yourself when you have one less thing to be afraid of, and you never know what you will find out about yourself. Just believe in yourself and take that leap of faith.

Take some time off

It's not uncommon for recent graduates to take a month or the summer after graduation off. This might even be vital to you as you transition between college and the "real world". This will allow you to squeeze in some time for yourself to check a few things of the bucket list. I mean, when's the next time you're going to be able to request off a full summer from work? Probably never, so YOLO, right?This will also allow time to prepare yourself in becoming a real adult with a real job, which is important for your mental health. You'll have time to unwind before having to adjust to a whole new culture at your new job with completely different rules from college, and your new responsibilities.

Make new friends

As we're launching ourselves into the workforce, we are going to be surrounded by a new group of peers. Whether you are working from someplace close to your home town or if you're moving a few states over, this is going to stand true for everyone. As you're put in this new situation, don't be afraid to reach out to those around you and befriend them. You're transitioning into a new phase in your life, you need to start a new social circle with those immediately around you.

But make sure you keep in touch with your old ones

With that being said, however, don't forget about your old friends. Like that old phrase says, "Make new friends, but keep the old. Those are silver, these are gold." Your old friends, whether they're the ones from your home town who saw you painfully go through your awkward middle school phase or the girlfriends who held your hair back on those rough nights these past few years, are the ones who have seen you grow into the amazing person that you are today. They've seen you overcome tough trials and achieve your greatest accomplishments. Don't forget those who've been there for you through it all. While you may be going in separate paths because of your jobs, you still have a common ground and a strong bond.

Something you can do is set up a weekly or monthly time to Skype or FaceTime and catch up. It's important to hold onto those friendships, you never know when you will need their support or comforting words in the future.

Check in on your family once in awhile

Just as keeping your friendships alive is important, your family should be put first. I'm guilty of not checking in with my family as often as I should, but that's something I've been incorporating into my schedule these past few months. Family is family, whether you like it or not, you will always be connected to these people. They've been through every important milestone in your life, and it's important to maintain a good relationship with them. It's easy to forget that while we're getting older, our parents are too. We need to cherish what we have now while we can.

Be spontaneous

Make it a point to do something adventurous once in awhile. Feel free to do this on your own or kindly drag a friend/family member with you. Find a nearby facility for rock climbing or sky diving, go on a picnic in a park, point your finger on a road map and use the Google machine to find something fun to do in that town, teach yourself a new recipe or how to surf, dye your hair, literally anything. Surprise yourself and those around you, it'll keep your life interesting and fun.

Give back

Giving back to the community shouldn't be reserved for just the holiday season. It should really be done all year round, and this can be done in a variety of ways. You can find a local or national charity that is really close to your heart. Make it a point to donate a little something to them every month, as long as it's within your means. Or you could find local charity events, an animal shelter, or senior citizen center to volunteer at. You'd be surprised by how good you feel when you help out the less fortunate and the difference you make in those people's lives.

Incorporate meditation into your daily regime

Try setting some time aside everyday to reflect and meditate. Scientific studies have been conducted with proven results that meditation have many health benefits, such as increasing optimism and cognitive thinking, and lowering stress and heart problems. It's all about focusing on yourself.

Try adding this into your daily schedule, even if it's only 15-20 minutes a day. In just a few weeks, you'll notice a difference in your life.

Be grateful

Very similar to the previous item, but being grateful and expressing your gratitude will help you as well. I encourage you to start a journal, and before you go to bed every night, write down three things or people everyday that you are especially thankful for that day. It's important because this journal will become a physical reminder of the good things you have in your life when you need a pick-me-up. If someone did something that made you grateful for them, don't be afraid to shoot them a quick text to let them know that you're thinking of them and how much you appreciate them. It'll make their day much brighter and strengthen your relationship.

So these are definitely on my bucket list for making 2016 the best it can possibly be. I'm ready to tackle this new year head on and to make it my b*tch — are you?