This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

Almost a month into the new year, it might be a good moment to step back and reflect on how the first twelfth of the year has been so far. Whether you started off the year with resolutions or just a desire to be happier, here are some ways to help you out and to become a better version of yourself in 2019.

Start a journal

Journaling has been found to have a wide variety of benefits, including the ability to improve your memory, boost your mood, and enhance your sense of self and well-being. There are also many different types of journaling to try such as gratitude journaling or bullet journaling.

Listen to podcasts

If you’re not the reading type or are trying to get more inspiration, entertainment, or education in a different form, podcasts are a super versatile and easy way to do so. You can stream, download, or even listen to them on Spotify.

Purge your closet

If you’ve been feeling cluttered, going through your closet, or other possessions, can quickly help free you of stress and get more organized. Plus, sell or donate unwanted items to make some quick money or help others in need.

Write down your goals

This may sound cheesy, but writing down your goals is one of the easiest ways to achieve them. Even if you don’t develop some step-by-step plan to tackle them, just taking the time to jot them down will help you become more conscious of your priorities and everyday actions.

Spend less time mindlessly scrolling through social media

We’ve all been there: opening up Instagram for the twentieth time just to scroll through posts you’ve already looked at. Next time, try to catch yourself in the act and instead get back to work or do something you really enjoy.

Do something outside your comfort zone

Breaking out of your comfort zone is an easy way to help you learn more about yourself and possibly discover new interests, hobbies, or potential habits. Consider rallying your friends and signing up for an art or cooking class, try out a new type of cuisine, talk to someone new every day, or wear that new dress you like a lot but have been scared to go out in.

Make to-do lists

Making to-do lists is an easy way to keep track of what you have to do in the next day, week, or month and lets you free up your head to focus on actually doing those things. Plus, it’s oh-so-satisfying to cross things off once they’re done.

Explore

College is the perfect time to explore and experience the world, so get on your shoes, pack a bag, and go. Look into studying abroad (the perfect way to get units and explore a new country), making trips to nearby attractions such as Tahoe, Yosemite, or San Francisco, or even finding a new restaurant in Davis to try with your friends.

Call your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, old friends, etc

Take some time every so often to call and check in with the people important to you that you may not talk to very much due to the stress and fast-paced nature of regular life. It’s quick, easy, and very important to do.

Forgive yourself

If you’re ever hard on yourself for small (or even big) mistakes, slip-ups, or failures, don’t be. The next time you get upset at yourself, take a deep breath and know everything will be okay, and even if it isn’t that time, being angry at yourself won’t fix things.

Celebrate the little things

You’ve probably heard a lot about how important the little things in life are, and for good reason. Celebrate the things you might not normally pay attention to but make you feel good, whether you made a new friend in class, the weather was really nice, or you went to sleep earlier than usual.

Keep in touch with yourself

One of the most important things you can do to be happier and healthier is to regularly check in on yourself, whether it’s about how you’re feeling or how your day-to-day routine is treating you. Being aware of your wants and needs is essential when it comes to feeling and being your best self, this year and every year.

How to Become a Better Version of Yourself in 2019