"You cannot pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first." -Unknown

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Drinking plenty of water is so important in keeping yourself healthy. Water can help clear your skin up, gives you an energy boost, and even helps boost your metabolism!

I used to absolutely despise water, and drink mostly pop, juices, and other sugary drinks. I started out drinking one bottle of water a day, and slowly eliminating those sugar-filled drinks, and switching to only water.

I am now to a point where water is practically the only thing I ever drink.

2. Don't skip out on breakfast

Even if it is something as small as a granola bar, grab something to eat in the morning.

When I was in high school I never ate in the morning. This caused me to feel completely exhausted. So, speaking from my own experience, eat a breakfast.

3. Take vitamins

They do make a difference, I promise. Your hair will be longer, stronger and healthier. Your skin will glow, and your body will thank you.

4. Wash your face twice a day

Again, your skin will thank you.

5. ...And find a good toner

To me, toners don't seem like they could ever do much, but they do. I swear by it. The best part is you don't have to spend a small fortune to find a good one.

I use a simple witch hazel. You can find it at Walmart for around $5, and the bottle lasts forever.

6. Stop sleeping in your makeup

I know, there are nights when you just do not have the energy to take it off before falling into bed, or the nights when you aren't home and you literally can't. But always try to make a point of it.

Your pores will be clear, and let's face it, none of us particularly like waking up with raccoon eyes. Or washing makeup out of pillowcases.

7. Take time for a face mask at least once a week

Not only is it relaxing, but if you struggle with some pesky zits like me, it will work wonders for you.

8. Go to bed a little earlier

If you're a college student, a full night of sleep is something to celebrate. But... when and if it's possible, go to bed a little earlier, and get a full eight hours of sleep.

You will be in a better mood all day, and you will just feel better all around.

9. Keep a journal

Keeping a journal will not only help you relieve a little stress, it may also help you organize yourself a little easier.

I recently started keeping a journal, and I write down what I have eaten that day, how it made me feel, how much water I drank, what kinds of moods I was in and other small things of that nature.

This helps me learn how to listen to my body a little better than I used to.

10. Go for a short run (even if you hate running, hear me out)

I used to absolutely resent running and avoided it at all costs. I wanted to find a way to get in shape, but I had no idea how. So, I forced myself to run.

I started very small, around five minutes at a medium pace, and it was awful. So, I found a way to distract myself from the fact that I was exercising.

I downloaded a few episodes of my favorite TV show on Netflix and watched them while I was running. Now I can go for about 15 minutes, and it gets a little easier every time.

I still do not like running by any stretch, but, it's more bearable, and I feel so good after the fact.

11. Treat yourself every once in a while.

Whether it's getting your nails done, your hair done, or going out to eat, treat yourself. You deserve it.

12. Be kind to yourself

Always, always remember, your biggest critic is yourself. So, stop standing in front of the mirror for 15 minutes picking out every flaw. Stop living to please others. When someone compliments you, always listen.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

"There is nothing in nature that blooms all year long, so do not expect yourself to do so either."