1. FRIENDS: Sometimes less can be more. Choose to surround yourself with friends that are encouraging and are bettering your quality of life!
2. TIME: Strategically plan out your schedule/day so that you can accomplish everything that you need to (while finding free time along the way).
3. ADVENTURE: Try something new! It never hurts to eat somewhere different or to lose yourself in an afternoon hike.
4. TRAVEL: Take some time to plan out a weekend trip with some of your closest friends. You don't have to go very far to experience a new town /state.
5. REFLECTION: It's important to take time and reflect on how your week has been. It is key to being thankful and learning lessons.
6. LAUGH: As simple as it seems, laughing is vital to a healthy life! "We now know that the brain and immune system represent a single, integrated system of defense, and that our moods and emotions affect our health."
7. GOALS: Figure out what is important to you and aspire to reach your dream. Write down what your goals are for the day/ week/ month/ year!
8. HEALTH: Try to get active at least once a day in whatever form you choose, you could even try something new. However, some days are harder than others, and you might count your walk to class your exercise for the day. THAT'S OKAY!
9. APPRECIATE SILENCE: An element that seems to be taboo in today's world. Take some time to unwind and separate yourself from all the chaos that fills our daily lives.
10. UNPLUG: This was a popular trend in 2016, but I believe we should continue it. Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez are popular examples of unplugging from your social media.
11. GROW: Stop comparing yourself to everyone else, and be thankful for the little victories. Sometimes that is what gets us through the day. "Hey, I put on pants today!"
12. HAVE CONFIDENCE: My favorite thing about confidence is that you do not necessarily have to be confident as long as you seem confident. Who's to say how you really feel? In reality, confidence comes from within, and it may take a while to develop.
13. SAY "NO": Learn how to say no. It seems very elementary, but most people struggle with the thought of letting others down. I say thought, because most of the time it is all in your head.
14. VOLUNTEER: Spend some time giving back, whether it is to your local community or lending a hand to someone in need. The act of giving is truly greater than receiving.
15. PLUS ONE: Find a special someone or even a friend who is willing to do this thing called life with you! You will be able to hold each other accountable and cheer each other on no matter what this year may hold.
16. STRESS LESS: Get organized, and don't sweat the small stuff. Every now and then, it is important to have a reality check. See what is truly demanding of your time and energy and what is not.
17. CHOOSE JOY: Looking forward, this year will inevitably be filled with high and low points. Joy is not happiness. You can choose to be joyful amid the storm of life that you are currently in. It is not always easy, but it is the healthiest mindset for life.
