16 New Year's Resolutions You Should Make Before 2017

2017 is quickly approaching, but if you're trying to become a better you, there's really no reason to wait for January 1st. Millennials get a bad rep for being pretty lazy, so starting now is our best bet to create habits that last into next year. Let's all make a conscious effort to talk about resolutions less and DO more to make the new year as healthy and positive as possible. If you want some ideas, here are 16 changes to make habit throughout your day before Santa comes through.

1. Smile at yourself in the mirror in the morning.

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Very few people like mornings. If you want to start the day off right, go ahead and grin at yourself when you first wake up. It doesn't matter if you're laughing at your bed head or genuinely pumped about waking up before the sun comes up. You're up, might as well enjoy it.

2. ...then make your bed.

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Organization makes you seem like a more put together adult. Let's face it. Put together, polished, accomplished, all things you'd like to seem or be, right? And getting into a made bed just feels better at nighttime.

3. Walk places.

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It's winter. It's cold. But you could use the fresh air. Honestly, who doesn't feel more accomplished about their day when they struggled through the frigid fresh air and survived? Getting in your steps is better than sweating on public transportation or screaming at stop lights in the car anyway.

4. Wear better shoes.

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Speaking of walking, you should probably bust out sneakers more often. Not only do your feet and back feel better, but you're already halfway ready for the gym when you're out and about. Win-win.

5. Better yet, dress the part.

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If you aim to go to the gym later, wear your workout clothes out. If you want to feel like a boss CEO, throw on some slacks and a blazer. You know the expression "dress for the job you want"? Try dressing for the day you'd like to have.

6. Carry extras.

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Whether you're at school or work or out on the town, people are forgetful. Having an extra pen, hair tie, or even a Kleenex is bound to make someone's day. Making people's lives better makes you feel better about yourself. Again, win-win.

7. Eat more green things.

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It's lunchtime. You really are trying to be more healthy, and there's no way around it. Vegetables are good for you. Think about all you have to choose from! The more salads you choose over slices of pizza, the better the Friday night pizza will taste. Everything in moderation. Except the veggies. Eat all of those.

8. Work with purpose...

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It's hard to stay on task for hours on end if you aren't interested. Be honest with yourself: you take breaks when you shouldn't. Try to work through assignments and tasks with the idea that a break should be a reward for COMPLETION, not boredom. Buzzfeed is entertaining, but you really don't want to end up doing things late-night at the last minute do you?

9. ...and be a productive procrastinator.

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This is an oxymoron. But if you're going to do something you're not supposed to be doing, let's avoid the dogs videos on Facebook. Instead, maybe you can work on that resume, go for a run, or even meditate. Occupy yourself with activities that are good for you.

10. Breathe deeper.

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Breathing is seriously underrated. There is a reason yogis focus on this so much. It helps. If you're angry, if you're tired, if you feel sick: take a deep breath, close your eyes, repeat.

11. Call Mom and Dad.

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They get so much joy out of hearing from you. They're smart and helpful. There's another thing to do instead of scrolling through Facebook: bring happiness to your folks. No matter what you've been up to, they want to know. PS - FaceTime usually involves seeing the family pets. Added bonus.

12. See your friends.

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Be social. Even if you're meeting up to sit on your couch, interaction with others is good for you. Better yet, meet up at the gym or a workout class to motivate each other.

13. Cook!

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Easier way to find green things to eat - make them yourself! Cooking dinner saves money, usually saves calories, and again, makes you feel and seem more put together and "adult" than you were before. Go you.

14. Do the dishes.

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As we've discussed, mornings are hard. Waking up to a sink full of dirty dishes never makes them easier. Do them before you retreat to your bed, a bud by your side or your iPod blaring. Chore turned personal concert. Rock on.

15. Stretch before bed.

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Underrated. Everyone thinks of the morning stretch as a way to wake up, but touching your toes a few times or throwing in a sun (moon) salutation before you climb in bed is going to get your blood flowing and hopefully help you wake up tomorrow with a slighter bigger spring in your step.

16. When you go to bed, sleep.

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Try your hardest to close your eyes and fall asleep without the help of Netflix or Facebook. Put them away, take 5 minutes of alone time with the dark, you'll be asleep. Yay.

17. Put in a little extra effort each day.

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Get it? Good. Happy Holidays and a resolute New Year!