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6th February 2017
03:50pm GMT
By most people's reckoning, 2016 was an awful year.
Apart from the constant bad news, Brexit and Trump etc, many people also felt the year was personally disappointing.
That's why we're making a conscious effort to have a good 2017, by giving ourselves things to look forward to and starting the year off on the right foot.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Each month you can have a box of goodies being delivered right to your door. Despite our move online, it's still special to get stuff in the post.
You can sign up to one of the many gift subscription services, like beauty supplies for both men and women from Birchbox and Look Fantastic, collectibles from Loot Crate, craft beers from The Beer Club, socks from Sock Fancy and Sock Panda, or stationery from Paper Gang.
Little things can improve your mood immeasurably. One of the best investments you can make is in a pair of fluffy slippers or boots that you can wear around the house. They'll make you feel nice and comfortable after a long day at work or running all over the place.
Other inexpensive things like a big mug, blankets for the sofa and smelly candles give you the perfect way to chill out.
Sometimes we can get so busy that we forget the stay in touch with the people we care about most. But when you meet up with them you always remember what a good time you have and make new memories.
Text someone and arrange to catch up.
You too could be in a five-way high-five
It's warmer and cosier inside, but it's good for your physical and mental health to get out and experience new sights and sounds.
Here are some great walks you can take around Ireland.
Some of us have mental lists of things we'd like to do at some point in our lives but have never gotten around to.That could be going paintballing, getting a manicure, having afternoon tea or actually finally going for brunch.
Tell yourself this is the year you're going to do those things.
If you're the kind of person who always feels exhausted and lives on caffeine, maybe this is the year to finally decide not to treat sleep like it doesn't matter.
Making a few small lifestyle changes can increase your amount of sleep and improve the quality of it. You won't know what to do with all your extra energy.
2017 is the year you reduce your stress levels and stop rushing so much.
Why not try waking up earlier and getting into work before you need to. This will give you time to get settled, get yourself a cup of tea and catch up on things before you need to start working fully. Or wake up earlier on the weekend and soak up that feeling of calm that comes with being awake before everyone else.
There's nothing like the prospect of going away to lift your spirits, even if it's just for a staycation.
Why not take advantage of the Ryanair and Aer Lingus sales to go on a city break?
Going to the same place over and over again can become really boring.
Why not go exploring a bit? Try somewhere new where you live, or go to the next village over.
You can go even further and vow to try somewhere new every week.
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