It's officially 2017 – a new year, a fresh start. This is the time where lots of the population begins to change something in their lives. While my mindset is you can basically change something in your life at any point in time, it is kind of nice to feel like you're starting off with a completely blank slate. I want to change five small things in my life and thought I would share. While they may be little habits, they can have large benefits if they are done regularly:

1. Use my reusable water bottle 24/7.

When I bought a reusable water bottle, it changed my life. Instead of being lazy and ignoring my thirst, I would already have a bottle of water in reaching distance. Having a reusable water bottle also made me more aware of how much water I was drinking. However, even with the water bottle I can still sometimes crave something besides water. The occasional lemonade or juice was tolerated, but this year I really want to focus on water. It's so good for you (obviously) and is great for my skin, maintaining my energy and so much more.

2. Stretch everyday.

My friends jokingly call me "grandma" because I have back and neck problems and am constantly complaining about them. I'm not flexible at all, but this habit isn't necessarily for me to get more flexible. This habit is hopefully to help my back and neck aches. Taking a few minutes out of my day to stretch really isn't that much and when done regularly it can make a difference in how you feel.

3. Change my routine.

My mother once told me that a normal routine should be interrupted once in a while to keep you challenged. These could be the littlest things too. This could be as simple as changing your normal route when driving or spending your time in between classes doing something different like going for a walk or calling your grandparents. "The only thing that is constant in life is change." Getting into a routine that doesn't change can be the quickest way to get too comfortable with life.

4. Floss once a day.

I've never been a big flosser – it seems to take too much time. In reality, it doesn't take much time at all and it's extremely beneficial. I'm stealing my mom's idea of flossing in the shower. When you have some down time waiting for the conditioner to sink in, you can floss your teeth! Kill two birds with one stone why don't you.

5. Less phone time before bed.

Instead of aimlessly scrolling on my phone before I go to bed, I want to take time to think and reflect on my day. I think by doing this, I can learn from myself. Also, less screen time means better sleep, and I could always use more sleep. I think in general I want to decrease the amount of time I am on my phone but especially before bed. Instead, I can reflect on my day or journal. Journaling is something I absolutely love and feel the need to do, but sometimes find myself "too busy" to do so. I want to replace this excessive screen time with documenting my life.

New Years resolutions shouldn't make you feel stupid. Some people think resolutions are dumb, but if you feel that starting a new year with a blank slate will be the push you need, then why not? If you are going to make New Years resolutions, you should definitely write these down and take time to think about them. Are they realistic? Are they too bold? Writing them out will help you consider and think about these habits you want to change. Go get 'em!