This year is the year of self-care.

I know this because I declared it myself. And why? Because I’m all too familiar with the feeling of being run-down. I’m tired of looking into the mirror each morning and wishing that I could find the right concealer to hide the bags under my eyes, and I’m tired of writing list after list just to keep track of what needs to be done each week to keep myself and everyone else happy. Quite honestly — to put it briefly — I’ve had enough of being tired. And so, I’ve decided that it’s time for change.

It is a simple concept: caring for oneself. All it really means is less of the negative and more of the positive.

Less worrying about the opinions of others.

Less worrying about the needs of those who don’t care for yours.

Less time wasted on the trivial things in life — the things that, in the end, just don’t really matter.

Less neglect of our own well-being.

Less abuse of the bodies we inhabit.

Less sleepless nights.

Less stress.

It means more time out. More “me” time.

More treating ourselves when we deserve it.

More relaxation.

More pep talks instead of put-downs.

More compliments instead of criticism.

More time and energy for the people who reciprocate theirs to us.

More taking care of ourselves — both physically and spiritually. Being mindful.

More of what’s good for us, and more of what’s good for the people we love.

More laughter.

I know this is all easier said than done — because we all know how easy it is to get caught up in the highs and lows of everyday life — but that’s not to say it isn’t possible.

If you’re naturally a worry-about-everything type of person like me, or even if you’re just a feeling a little tired of everything, I encourage you to be a little selfish. It’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. After all — they do say that the only person in charge of your happiness is you.

So, make change where change is needed and where change is due.

Look after you.