10 Things You Should Do for Yourself in 2015

If I could focus on one thing for this new year, it’d be the art of learning to take care of myself. Parents, but especially mothers, tend to deprioritize themselves. Picture a totem pole and try to visualize where you’d rank yourself on it. I bet you’d be somewhere closer to the bottom, right? With kids, spouse, extended family and friends higher up? Even the family pet might rank higher, and that’s an indicator something clearly has gone awry.

            You’re devoted to your family, and it shows. But I think 2015 should be the year of “YOU,” and there are very important reasons to make it happen.

“In order to maintain and strengthen your mental and emotional health, it’s important to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Don’t let stress and negative emotions build up,” says HelpGuide.org. “Try to maintain a balance between your daily responsibilities and the things you enjoy. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be better prepared to deal with challenges if and when they arise.”

 There are many ways that you can reprioritize yourself, but here are 10 great ways to do just that in 2015:

1. Learn Something New

Have you always wanted to speak French? Does the sound of cooking gourmet meals appeal to you, but you don’t know where to begin? It’s never too late to get started! Hire a language tutor or sign up for that cooking class. Kansas City mom of three Claudia England says, “I am always trying to be more creative. My goal is to do one ‘creative’ project a month. Maybe I’ll take an online drawing or photography class.”

2. Exercise Regularly

According to Nutrition Source, a Harvard School of Public Health publication, the benefits of physical activity range from lowering your chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers such as colon or breast, diabetes and osteoporosis to improving cognitive function, relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, preventing weight gain and improving sleep. This can all be achieved in as little as 30 minutes a day of regular physical activity. Take a walk or sign up for that fitness class you’ve been thinking about trying. It will do your mind and body good.

3. Get More Sleep

We all know that a good night’s sleep can do wonders for our overall mood throughout the day, but sometimes work conflicts, and little ones can interfere with that. Kansas City mom Heather Birdwell says, “My goal this year is to have a regular schedule. I have spent more than 10 years working mainly overnight. I want to be able to be in bed by midnight and up by 6:30.” Getting quality sleep should be a priority, as it can affect both mental and physical health. Try asking your boss for a new schedule, finding a job that better suits your lifestyle goals or simply asking your partner to divide sleep shifts with you. Even simple changes can provide positive impact.

4. Pamper Yourself

It doesn’t have to be a full day at an expensive spa. Mom of two Mary Carver Walters says, “My goal is to get my hair cut every six to eight weeks. I am the worst about letting it go way too long, and honestly, even 20 minutes at a Great Clips can feel like pampering some weeks. So why not do it?”

5. Get a Check-Up

Now is the time to schedule your annual physical, visit the dentist and make your eye appointment. Don’t let these things fall to the back burner—your health should be a top priority. After all, you can’t properly care for anyone else if you’re not taking good care of yourself.

6. Drop a Bad Habit

Eighty to 90 percent of all lung cancers, 30 percent of heart disease deaths and 30 percent of cancer deaths are caused by smoking, according to RD.com  If you’ve been thinking of quitting, there is no time like the present. Other bad habits to consider dropping may include cutting back on processed and sugar-filled foods, drinking less alcohol, limiting television time, not skipping breakfast and eliminating overspending.

7. Reconnect with Friends

Last year on my birthday, I flew out to California for a girls’ weekend with my best friend—three and a half days of playing tourist, laughing and memory making. It was my first weekend away from the kids, and while I was initially nervous about it, it really was exactly what I needed. We’ve even decided to make it an annual thing. It can be difficult to maintain close friendships with the time demands of children, but it’s an integral part of keeping ourselves balanced. Scheduling a dinner date or meeting up for a cup of coffee sans kids is a great way to do that.

8. Date

Carve out time at least once a month to go on a date with your spouse. According to Forbes.com, couples who spent “couple time” at least once a week were 3.5 times more likely to report being very happy in their marriages. Satisfaction with your relationship will filter into all aspects of your life, which will make you happier overall.

9. Take a Vacation

Money and time allowed, I’d be on the first plane to Italy if I could, but it’s not realistic at the moment. That doesn’t mean that vacation plans should be ditched altogether, however. A night or two in a hotel, a long weekend in a neighboring city or state or even a little staycation can be fun! Create a budget, commit to saving and mark your calendar. Your adventure awaits!

10. Follow Your Passion

Do you have a small business that you’ve dreamed of expanding? Is that unfinished manuscript for a book or play still sitting on your desktop? Rekindle the spark! It’s a great way to set a positive example for your children of what can be achieved if you commit yourself.

Jennifer Bosse lives in Kansas City with her husband and two children. She is looking forward to a new year filled with new adventures.