I propose that 2011 be the year of giving ourselves permission to indulge.

The resolutions we sometimes make on New Years Day often involve guilt if we don’t carry out our intentions. But a resolution to give yourself permission to indulge is sure to be carried out in some way.

And this seems especially important for women. How many men do you hear who say “I think I’ll give myself permission to go watch the game with the guys, go to the gym, or get some sleep”? But women are often carrying tremendous loads: working long hours at one, if not two, jobs outside the home, coordinating their children’s activities, caring for their young children and older family members, continuing their own educations, and squeezing in socialization when possible. All of these activities and demands, as rewarding as they may be, leave little time for such basics as sleep and exercise, and even less for self-reflection. Consciously giving ourselves permission to indulge ourselves can be the difference between just getting through our days and actually thriving.

Think of how you could indulge your mind, body and spirit, for the better, this year and then imagine what might happen if you truly give yourself permission to be faithful to your intentions.

Here’s my list:

Indulge in sleep. When your body tells you it’s tired, when the neurons in your brain aren’t really functioning that well anymore, stop trying to get one last task done around your house, leave your computer monitor’s bright screen, and let yourself wind down and sleep. And if you have problems sleeping, talk to your health care professional about proven therapies that really will help you get the sleep you need.

Indulge in favorite foods, at least some of the time: whether you’re a health fanatic or err on the side of eating too many prepared and processed foods, we all have foods we love but don’t eat often. So if you’re trying to eat right most of the time, when you do splurge, money-wise or calorie-wise, mindfully and guiltlessly, savor these treats.

Indulge in time with friends and be attentive to ways to support your friends and accept their support in times of need. True friends really are to be treasured and whatever phase of your life you’re in, sharing time with friends is essential to emotional health. Women have a history of social networking, predating Facebook by centuries. Our pioneer foremothers had quilting circles, women in the mid 20th century played afternoon bridge and book clubs are popular with early 21st century women. All of these have something in common: socialization with friends gives us a reason to have a break from the demands in our lives, share their successes and challenges with a sympathetic crowd, and have fun.

Indulge in tranquility. Whether you find peace on a walk to the mailbox, yoga class, or a place of worship, intentionally fit the pursuit of peace and quiet into your schedule, put your distractions aside, and be in the moment. The rewards for mind, body and spirit are rich.

Indulge in your favorite form of physical motion and stop feeling guilty about the dusty bikes and cross trainers in your basement. If you’re not a competitive type and don’t really enjoy working up a sweat but do like long walks, then take long walks. The point is to get off the couch but be realistic about what you enjoy and then do it in the way that makes the most sense for your schedule and your preferences.

Indulge in letting go, that is, not micro-managing. This may be the most difficult for many of us. Caring, nurturing, coordinating and organizing are all admirable talents until the balance is tipped toward obsessive control and worry. If this doesn’t resonate with you, and more importantly, your family doesn’t think you’re guilty either, then pat yourself on the back. If it does, please share your tips with the rest of us who might agree, if pressed, that sometimes we ought to just back off!

What do you need to give yourself permission to indulge in?