The New Year resolutions everyone should consider

If the thought of January fills you with gloom, don't despair. Our agony aunt explains how to make 2014 your best year ever

Take care of yourself

If you can't commit to caring for yourself, what good are you to your loved ones or your career? Begin by energising your life with exercise. If you're not the type to join a health club just to make small changes. Take the stairs at work or when out and about. Walk instead of taking the car or public transport because research shows that those who walk regularly are healthier.

Looking after yourself also means eating well. Replace comfort foods with healthy snacks and meals. Resolve never to shop when hungry and to stick to your shopping list, making you less likely to include unplanned treats.

Stop and smell the roses

We are pulled in many directions and rarely stop to recharge. You can redress the balance in your favour by planning ahead. Use your diary to plan dates for simple but pleasurable dinners or get-togethers with family and friends. Keeping it simple means everyone's more likely to pitch in.

Take time out for long walks and talks with loved ones. Also carve out one night a week just for yourself. Maybe you'd love to try wine tasting or join a book club. Once they're part of your routine you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Meditation is a great way to take stock of life and find peace. Take 10 minutes (or even five) for daily meditation. Switch everything off and relax your mind to enhance wellbeing.

Heal rifts

Rifts with family, friends or even colleagues tend to hold us back emotionally. The new year is the perfect time to get in touch. Send a positive text or email or pick up the phone when you're feeling confident about sorting out a nagging issue. Realise when you need to say, "I am sorry." Often we worry the words make us look weak but it shows strength to be able to apologise for your part in the problem. Remember especially with loved ones that ultimately it's better to make the peace than to be right. If you've a problem with a work colleague look at it from their perspective.

Stop worrying

Constant worrying can lead to chronic anxiety which can have the effect of draining your emotional energy. In a bid to change, challenge what you're worrying about and think positively. Do you need to worry or is a solution available? Don't let such concerns take over your life when what you need to do is sit down and work out steps to solve the problem. Identify the times in your day that trigger worry. For instance, are you always late in the morning? If so, how can you change your morning routine? Even a small change such as setting your alarm clock to go off 10 minutes earlier may help.

Learn something new

Given that human brains are designed to be stimulated constantly, boredom underlies much low-level depression. Start by taking up a daily puzzle. Just stretching your brain a little can make a big difference. If you plan a holiday in a foreign country you don't have to learn its whole language: buy a phrasebook and learn key messages. You could even get involved in your child's or grandchild's school project. Don't do it for them, but learn side by side.

HAVE A LAUGH

When you have the weight of the world on your shoulders you forget to let go and have fun. Research shows those who laugh more enjoy life more. Make a regular date to visit a comedy club or watch your favourite old sitcom. You could even plan a comedy night where everyone brings a funny DVD and their best jokes.

Manage your money

Money can be a major problem. If financial woes get you down, make 2014 the year you conquer them. Start by listing your outgoings compared to incomings, then plan a budget. Make new rules such as allowing yourself a certain sum of money to spend and leave debit and credit cards at home. If you can, cut up your cards to curb the temptation to spend unnecessarily. If you've been ignoring creditors call them to agree a payment plan. You'll only make things worse by burying your head in the sand.

Be thankful

It's easy to get stuck in the mindset of always needing more. Every time you catch yourself thinking you need a holiday or a new home or car, consider the lovely things there are in your life. Look around at everything from your family or best friend to your beloved pets. This will help you focus on the important things.