I don’t generally make New Year’s Resolutions. I never made them growing up so I guess I just didn’t get into the habit, but this year I found myself thinking about possible resolutions – things I wanted to do or change about myself that would benefit from having a definite start-date. I came up with a handful of things but quickly realised they all had a common theme that could be narrowed down to one resolution: to take care of myself.

I don’t take a lot of time for myself – I don’t buy new clothes, instead choosing to wear the same clothes until they become too worn out or too small and only then buying a couple replacement items as cheaply as possible. I don’t look after my hair or my fingernails the way I should because I can’t justify spending the money on myself. I don’t eat as well as I should and I certainly don’t exercise as well as I should. I don’t take some time out to read a book, or have a bubble bath, or listen to music – I’m constantly doing things; things that don’t allow me to relax, take a deep breath and tune out.

So this year, I am focusing on me. I am going to grow my fingernails and keep them long. I normally get little fingernails then for some reason, chew them off, then eventually – months later – grow them again – and I’m sick of it! I’m 24 years old. I should be able to grow my fingernails and keep them long – it’s hardly rocket science. I’m sick of not being able to wear nail polish and having to hide my fingernails when pointing out things or holding a drink.

I am going to buy new clothes as I need them. I’m going to exercise every day by going for a jog or walk and I am going to concentrate on eating smaller potions of healthier food. I’m going to take care of my hair and have it regularly trimmed. I am going to brush it every morning and not just throw it back in a messy bun like I normally do.

Once a week I am going to have “me-time” where I read a book or listen to music or take a bath, using the time to relax and de-stress. No television, no laptop, no iPhone. Just me, myself and I.

I’m not scared of my resolution to take care of myself – in fact, I’m excited about it. I feel a bit like I’m being selfish – but then I remember that most women do these things already on a daily basis! Positivity, love, care and optimism – things that aren’t very familiar to me – will flow. That’s the plan anyway. In addition to looking after myself physically, I will be looking after myself financially. I’ll be saving more seriously this year and ensuring my credit card is kept paid off.

What about your resolutions? Did you set any this year?