This time of year, many people make resolutions or goals for self-improvement. One area many of us can improve on is taking better care of ourselves. If you are in a healthy place yourself mentally and physically, you are going to have more energy to give to your relationships. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started taking better care of yourself.

• Be kinder to yourself. They saying, “We are our own worse critics” is often true. While it may be easy to be understanding or empathetic when someone else makes a mistake, it is often difficult to show ourselves the same compassion. I would encourage you to begin noticing your “self-talk”—the way you talk to yourself in your head. If you notice a pattern of negative self-talk, make an effort to stop the criticism and replace it with a more compassionate thought.
• Take time for yourself. Even if it is only five minutes here and there, taking time to do things you enjoy will recharge your emotional batteries. Get creative and make the time you need. Whether it is taking a hot bath after the kids are in bed or taking a few minutes to call and reconnect with a friend, those minutes will add up and you will feel a difference in your emotional energy level.
• Get some physical exercise every day. Even if you begin with just parking farther away or taking the stairs more, you will begin to feel better about yourself for consciously making healthier choices. Some of the benefit we receive from physical exercise comes from the “feel good” endorphins that are released but some of the benefit we receive is from setting a goal and accomplishing it.
• Learn a new skill or hobby. Having new experiences can boost your mood and self-confidence. It is also an opportunity to bond with your partner if you decide to learn the new skill or hobby together.

It is easy to get lost in the day to day stress of life. Many of us spend much of our day taking care of others at work or at home. However, if you want to be able to give your best self, you must take time to take care of your own needs as well. Start the new year off with a goal to take better care of yourself, and in turn, strengthen your relationship with others. If you find that guilt or a feeling that you are being selfish by taking care of yourself comes up, you may need to address these roadblocks with a professional counselor who can help you overcome these challenges. Take the opportunity this new year to set goals to take care of yourself and experience the benefit to your relationships too.