There is a fine line between being selfish and prioritising yourself. This time of year, right at the beginning, is the best time to reset your mind, take a breath and plan your journey for  the year.  Looking after yourself means you are both mentally and physically fit to be there for others. There is nothing selfish about that!

Everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions but I prefer to make a new to-do list of all things I put on the long finger in 2025. 

Here are 10 to do’s that you might like to add to your list:

1. Book a blood test with your local GP to check cholesterol & general well-being and adjust your diet if needed.
2. If you’re due a mammogram but haven’t got that letter in the post (for over 50s), log on to the Breastcheck website and check the register.
3. Treat yourself to a pedicure; you don’t have to wait until your toes are exposed in the Summer sun. Pampering your feet, pampers the mind and reminds you that you're special.
4. Fulfil those promises you made last year to family & friends; have that coffee meet-up or winter sea swim with your old school friend, bring the children to the zoo or their favourite amusement park, visit your parents more often if you're lucky enough to still have them around. You know your own list!
5. Learn a new language - remember the goal you made after your last trip abroad when you struggled to buy the return rail tickets from the non-English speaking ticket agent?
6. Consciously make the effort to go out of your comfort zone at least once a week and try something new & challenging. Mine is getting up at 6am and doing a short yoga session. 
7. Reduce screen time. Try to read more, write down your daily thoughts or start listening to music in the evening instead of switching on Netflix (John Creedon plays good tunes on Radio1 from 8-10pm daily).
8. Practice being grateful and learn to recognise & appreciate the small gifts in your life. If you're lucky enough to have your health, a job you like and good friends, this is a good place to start.
9. Spread your wisdom - sometimes we forget that with age, comes wisdom. Try to unlock the sea of knowledge within your brain and don’t be afraid to share your opinions.
10. And the old chestnut, stop worrying about what other people think of you. Life is too short to let these crippling feelings get in the way of who you are and who you want to be. 

There is help out there if you want advice on how to feel better and change your life around. Here is one website that is recommended - BetterHelp.com.