Let’s all take a moment and welcome 2017 into the building. This past year, I’ve heard so many people complain about the “terribleness” of 2016 - from nasty political battles to the loss of great music icons to general everyday annoyances that may have happened. And I would have to agree. I have never been the type to make a New Year’s Resolution, however, I just might this year to keep my sight on things that matter and to better my self overall. Here are a few ideas you can put on your resolution as well.

1.Travel more

It’s easy to feel trapped in a day-to-day routine. Pack up and get out, take a trip to a place you’ve never been before. Learn new cultures; try new foods, etc. – even if it’s in a different part of your own city or state. Traveling is a good way to experience personal growth. So don’t just stay confined to your same surroundings all the time. Get out and experience something new. Your calendar and budget might not accommodate trips to California or Europe (if they do, you should go!), but you’d be surprised how much you can learn in your own town/state if you expose yourself to something different every once in a while.

2. Be healthier

I am aware that “eating better” usually occurs on just about every resolution list, but being healthy is completely different from eating better. Being healthy consists of the practice of pure, happy thoughts; smiling bigger, laughing louder, and don’t treat small life stressors as big ones. I guarantee this will boost your mood in a positive way and make you more emotionally healthy. Emotional health is just as important as our physical health. But, on that note, make physical health a priority as well. Do try to eat better and workout more. You don’t have to adopt a strict diet or join a gym. Just be mindful of your intake – and make an effort to incorporate physical activity, even if it’s just going for a long, brisk walk around your neighborhood. The combination of a strong body and mind will benefit you in everything you do…and you’ll be sick less often

3. Love your friends and family more

We see most of the same people everyday, and too often, we take them for granted. We forget to tell them how much they mean to us. This year, hug them longer each time you leave. Tell them how much you love them each time you see them; if it’s someone you see everyday, you don’t have to be weird - tell them every other time. It not only makes you feel happier, but it also makes the person you’re telling feel great, too! We all like being reminded of our value, especially by those with whom we are closest. So go ahead, make their day (and yours too)!

4. Sleep more

You should sleep more at night, rather staying up too late and taking afternoon naps. Don’t be mistaken, I love naps. However, a nap doesn’t catch you up on the sleep you’ve missed, which makes you sluggish. You should get more than eight hours of sleep without a nap involved, and doing this will cause you to be much more energetic and, in turn, happier. You’ll be able to think more clearly and pursue the goals you’ve set more successfully.

5. Love yourself

Don’t obsess about what others think of you. Just be the best “you” that you can be. If you truly love yourself, others likely will also. So make one of your priorities this year to stop nitpicking every flaw you have. A bad hair day or a less-than-dazzling complexion doesn’t equate to ugliness, and it certainly isn’t worth putting your self-esteem at risk. Rather than focusing on flaws, use 2017 to focus on the special unique traits that you have – and learn to really work those to your advantage!

Maybe you’ve already made your New Year’s Resolution list and you plan to join the gym to lose those aggravating 20 pounds, or you’re thinking of finishing your degree or gunning for that fabulous promotion at work. Good for you - do it all! But I hope you’ll incorporate the goals I’ve suggested in this list. They are very basic objectives that will enhance your chances of achieving whatever you hope to accomplish this year. Happy 2017 – now go do great things!