Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Busy Moms

We are on the edge of a new year, 2009 is just ahead. Some will say the only resolution they have ever made and have kept is to not make any more New Year's resolutions, while others will eagerly spout a long list of things they resolve to work on this year. This is the most popular time of year for people to reflect on their lives and make decisions on what needs to be changed or eliminated. One category of people who tend to overlook their own needs all year is Moms. Moms are notorious for putting everyone else first, children, spouse, work, and friends. Therefore, I have compiled a list of the top ten New Year's Resolutions for Moms. Overall the main category of resolutions for Moms is take better care of yourself. Taking better care of yourself can involve many different areas, which is why I have broken it into the top ten most urgent needs.

1. In order to take better care of yourself in general, you will need to address any health issues or potential health issues. Do you need to lose some weight? Well, instead of vowing to lose 30 pounds by July, instead set a measurable goal of walking at least 20 minutes a day 3 to 4 days a week. Or make exercise fun, find a way to involve your kids, play tag or hide and go seek. The main thing is to get moving and keep moving.

2. Take better care of yourself by taking charge of your health. Make better nutrition choices most of the time. Striving for most of the time helps prevent beating yourself up for a less than optimum choice. Have a physical and make a dentist appointment. These are things you do for your children, so now is the time to schedule them for yourself.

3. Take a good long look in the mirror. How long has it been since you had a new hairstyle? Do you strive to look your best every day? Resolve to follow a skin care regimen and fix your hair daily. For an investment of a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes a day, you can look polished and beautiful.

4. After checking out your appearance, why not examine your wardrobe? How long has it been since you purchased a new outfit for yourself with accessories? Sweat suits do not count! Plan on purchasing some clothes that actually fit, styles that are up to date and actually flatter you.

5. Taking better care of yourself is not just about the outward physical appearance. Developing a positive outlook will help keep you healthier in general by decreasing your stress levels. Learn to appreciate and be thankful for the small things which we so often take for granted.

6. Another way to take care of yourself is to invest in yourself. Learn something new. You are never too old and studies show that learning something new keeps your mind alert and healthy.

7. This next New Year's Resolution is, on first glance, likely to cause you to wince. To be more productive may seem out of place on a list of resolutions for busy Moms, however, it is important. How much time do we waste complaining about things not getting done? So, make a resolution to actively do something about it. For example, if your concern is the environment, then start recycling. Instead of complaining, come up with a plan for active solutions.

8. An ideal way to take better care of yourself is to kick a bad habit. Smoking or drinking to excess are two examples of bad habits which directly impact our health, however some bad habits such as swearing or gossiping affect our health indirectly. The beginning of the year is a great time to begin substituting a positive activity for the bad habit you're trying to quit.

9. This resolution may seem a bit out of place on a list of top 10 New Year's Resolutions for busy moms at first glance, however upon closer inspection, I believe you will see the merit of avoiding predictability. Have you become stuck in a rut? Do your children know what you are going to do or say before you do? Throw a bit of excitement and spontaneity into your life, keep your family and friends on their toes, AND end up taking better care of yourself. Remember what I mentioned earlier about learning something new, well it also works for doing things in a different way.

10. Last on my list of top 10 New Year's resolutions for busy moms is becoming better organized. By placing appointments on your calendar and following through, you will end up with less stress and more time for you to take better care of yourself.

As 2008 draws to a close and you prepare your list of New Year's Resolutions for 2009, I hope you will think about taking better care of yourself, especially if you are a busy mom. Remember this, resolutions are supposed to be guides to help you improve your life, so if you aren't perfect, forgive yourself and try again. God bless you.