...but do it carefully and properly. This is something that everyone resolves to do, but how likely are you to actually stick to them? They can be a good motivator to change something, but if they are made half-heartedly, they just serve to be a reminder of failing.

Now that the days are drawing out again, with more light in the evening, consider going out for walks to blow away the cobwebs of the dark winter days.

Christmas is always an expensive affair, so the pockets can feel quite depleted after wards. Get your finances in order by doing it the organised way -- open a savings account and be certain that you're putting some money aside every week/month.

So it's not quite Spring yet, but it might be worth breaking out the cleaning supplies early. Let a bit of light and air into the home and attack the mess that's been accumlating during Winter.

In the same way, a lot of clutter can build up after Christmas, so get determined and be ruthless about what can stay and what needs to go. Getting rid of unnecessary items can free up a lot of space. Remember that you can recycle a lot of things these days, or donate to charity unwanted clothes and similar items.

January is National Thank You Month, so get the year off to a good start by remembering to thank those in your life. Consider how much friends and family have helped you, or take the time to extend a proper thank you to shop assistants, waiters, postpeople and others in your day-to-day life.

Seize that 'new' in 'New Year' and try doing something new. It might be that you've been meaning to take up a new hobby or activity for a while, but keep telling yourself you don't have the time. Well, make it. Use the new year as the motivation to reorganise and start doing the things you want to do.

Everyone overeats at Christmas -- no one's to blame, it's just how the festive period goes. After wards, though, you feel so stuffed that you feel like you won't eat again until next Christmas. Leave behind the stodginess of winter and start getting ready for spring -- more fruit and vegetables and fresh produce.