It's that time of year where everyone is making resolutions for the New Year. Let's hope 2017 is better than 2016: no more dead gorillas or violence in the streets...and political drama needs to chill out. Now while you can always make the resolution to lose weight, you may not stick to it. Here are a few realistic resolutions anyone can make!

1. Relax

I'm sure you can agree 2016 was very stressful. Find some ways to relax whenever you get anxious in 2017. Take a warm bath, add bath salts or a bath bomb. Not only will your bath water look pretty, your skin will feel great and smell good, too! I meditate whenever I'm feeling stressed. I even do it when I'm sick! I started here. You can choose to meditate for as long as you want using different settings on the app. Of course, you can always go exercise; it's not only a good way to relieve stress but get in shape, too. Try a yoga class. Take a vacation. Take a nap. Have a class of wine.

2. Drink more water

Drinking your daily water intake can improve your life tremendously. Our bodies thrive off of water and drinking it can prevent sicknesses like colds and even more serious ones like migraines and kidney stones. It will also give you clear skin and regulate your body's temperature and metabolism. There is even a cool, new way to make sure you drink more water: fancy water bottles (like the ones pictured below). Check Pinterest for water challenges and more ideas on how to increase your intake.

3. Save money

Everyone wants to save more money. Rent and bills come up every month and money can get tight. One step is to only buy what you need. Do you have a bunch of old clothes? Take them to a consignment shop and you can get a few bucks for the clothing they take. Have a garage sale. Facebook has many "buy and sell" groups, so try selling stuff on there, too. I'm selling my old homecoming and prom dresses. A second job is another option; you could be an Uber or Lyft driver, or offer to babysit...maybe mow lawns more often. There's also taking surveys, reviewing products, studies and donating blood. Save your money and you'll be looking like Donald Duck in no time!

4. Put away the electronics

Spend too much time scrolling through social media? Put the phone away. When you're attached to your phone you miss out on opportunities to hangout with your family and friends. Challenge yourself to not touch your phone during dinner. Your family and friends will appreciate you listening. Don't be on it before bed time either. This will help you go to sleep sooner and will help reduce strain your eyes. If you need to, you can always put your phone in "jail".

5. Contact your family and friends more

Family is so important. You never know when you'll talk to them for the last time. Make time for them and let them know how much you appreciate them. Just a phone call is good.

Happy Holidays and have a happy New Year!