Every year we set goals for our health, our jobs, and our lives for the New Year. Why do we always forget to set goals for our mental health and personal relationships? This year I want to be a happier, healthier, better person, so here are 10 things I am going to try my best to do.

1. Smile More

You all know that you smile when you are happy, but did you know that smiling makes you happy? It has been proven in scientific studies that smiling releases endorphins (happy hormones) and tricks your brain into thinking you are happy. Not only that but smiling often makes you appear more friendly and approachable and makes people like you more. This year I am going to smile more, especially at strangers.

2. Exercise daily

This one is on everyone's list this year, however I put it here not to lose weight or build muscle or get ripped. I put this on the list because (you've heard it before and I'll say it again) exercise releases endorphins and makes you happy. By exercising lightly for 30 minutes a day you can severely decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. It also relieves stress, so if you are getting really nervous about your next semester classes you should head to the gym. It is also important to keep a steady routine because once you make an excuse to not work out once, it will be super easy to make that excuse every day. So no excuses! Make it a routine.

3. Stop Saying "I don't have time"

Don't we all wish we had a little more time in our day? Is there ever enough time to do everything there is to do? How often do you say the words "I don't have time." Well according to Time Organization Expert Laura Vanderkam (in her Ted Talk linked below) you actually do have time. It is all a matter of what your priorities are. She suggests taking the time (there is that word again) to lay out your priorities and decide what tasks deserve your time and what tasks don't. The first step to this is to stop making excuses by saying "I don't have time" and start being honest with yourself by saying "This is not a priority to me."

4. Make time for yourself a priority.

You are absolutely the most important person in your life (or at least you should be). Part of staying mentally healthy in the new year is keeping up with self care and that means taking a little me-time. Whether that means watching 30 minutes of your favorite tv show, meditating, reading a good book, or simply staring at the ceiling for a while, you need to take some time to do what you want to do. It will help you relax, unwind, and prepare for the next part of your day, week, and year.

5. Talk to Strangers

Remember when your parents told you not to talk to strangers? Yeah, they were wrong. Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. Part of being mentally healthy is being comfortable socially, and for me that means meeting new people regularly. I am making it my goal to talk to one new person a day, because the more people I meet, the less scary the world is. It's easy, next time you are in line at the store, make a funny or relatable comment to the person in front of you. "That sweater is so cute! Wearing it anywhere special?" or "Oh my gosh this [item] is so heavy! Move faster cashier, I need to set this down!" or my favorite "Why do they fill the checkout line with cookies? They look so good, now I want to have cookies for lunch!" At the very least you will share a smile and a laugh, but more often than not you will spark a conversation and possibly make a new friend!

Stay tuned friends, this list isn't over. I will be making a part 2 next week.