15 things for 2015...

1. Make the effort if someone's important to you. Everyone gets busy - life is a whirlwind, and it can be so easy to go months without seeing, or sometimes even speaking to friends you used to see every other day. If they're one of the good eggs you want to keep forever, remember to check in. "They haven't been in touch either" can be true, but it's usually an excuse to make yourself feel better. So reach out, even if it's just in a wee text, or Facebook message.

2. Eat some fruit and drink some water. This is more for me than for anyone else. I went through a couple of months in 2014 of really committing to this, and do you know what? I felt better. I have no idea if I actually genuinely felt better, or if it was a sort of placebo effect, but either way it's good for you.

3. Take photos. Of everything. Excellent cup of tea? Instagram it. Pretty sky at dusk? Get that on twitter. Capturing these moments is a great way of making every day seem positive, and gives you lots of nice little things to look back on if you're having a bad day.

4. Read a book by someone you admire. I'm currently reading Yes Please, by Amy Poehler, and it's giving me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Feeling like you're having a private little chat with someone you really look up to, and hearing about their ups and downs can definitely motivate you to pull your socks up and follow your dreams.

5. Watch that TV show you've always wanted to watch, and read that book that has been on your to read list forever. They've remained there for a reason, so what you waiting for?!

6. Learn to unapologetically say no. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO, as it is being called - I think I'm getting old...) is something I think we naturally start to grow out of the older we get, but if you feel like a night in your pjs watching something on Netflix and eating a takeaway instead of going to that club you hate and spending money you'd rather save for a rainy day, DO IT. Stop panicking that you'll somehow miss out if you don't go. I passed up a boozey flat party for a night on the couch with a chocolate orange and a google hangout with my girls Roisin and Gill this New Year, and it was amazing.

7. Having said that, also try to say yes more! Sometimes, after a long day at work (especially if you don't love your job) it can be so tempting to turn down a catch up with your pals because you're tired and cranky and just want to hide under your duvet and pretend you don't have to go to work again the next day. But hanging out with your friends will always make you feel better, so say yes! You don't even have to stay for long, just do it - it gives you the chance to catch up, have a rant, and let your hair down.

8. Do something that scares you. Always wanted to make a YouTube video but been nervous about it? Do it. Want to visit a friend in another country but frightened to fly alone? Do it. Taking these chances makes us braver and stronger. The worst that can happen is you find out it isn't for you!

9. Count your blessings. Be thankful for the good things and the good people in your life, every day.

10. Write things down. Journal, blog, scrap of paper you instantly shred - whatever it is, writing down how you feel is usually a cathartic experience, and can help you understand yourself a little bit better.

11. Go for a walk with only your iPod for company. There's something really soothing about taking some time out, on your own, and just letting your feet take you somewhere with your favourite songs as the soundtrack. If I'm worked up about something, this is a surefire way to calm me down!

12. Learn something. Pick up a book on a subject you don't know much about, and find out more. Education shouldn't end when we leave school/college/university. I'm currently filling up my Kindle with free books on Socrates (I'm developing a bit of a thing for philosophy y'see)...

13. Champion a good cause! We only get one shot at this life, and if we can make a difference during it, that has to be a good thing. So tweet about them, donate to them, hold a fundraiser. Just use your voice.

14. Make sure you're doing something that makes you happy. If your job is draining you and you're constantly counting down the days till the weekend or your next holiday, do something about it! Get applying for as many new jobs as you can, get on Linkedin, network and make contacts through social media - as I said, we only get one shot at this, so waste as little time as possible in something that makes you miserable.

15. Be kind and when the opportunity arises, say nice things. Tell the girl at work that you don't know all that well that you love her lipstick, tweet the stranger who just got engaged and tell them congratulations, message your friend who is going through a rough time and ask how they're doing. It seems like the simplest thing, but you have no idea what an amazing impact a simple compliment or kind word could have on someone's day.

Happy 2015 everyone - let's make it a good one!

Thanks for reading :)