CULTIVATE COZINESS

Hygge, meaning “cozy,” comes from Danish culture. (And the people of Denmark know what’s up: The country continues to be named one of the top three happiest places to live in the world.) It is a focus on intentionally warm, intimate moments and social settings. The goal? To boost happiness through camaraderie and comfort—oh, and to hunker down during the cold months.

No matter where you live, there are opportunities to create a sense of hygge in your own home. You can:

• Play board games with your besties over a big bowl of popcorn
• Get together for a casual patio potluck dinner under sparkly lights
• Throw on a knitted sweater and settle in for some Netflix and chill
• Start a Sunday brunch club with your favorite people
• Sit around a fireplace roasting marshmallows

Hygge can be inexpensive and easy—a form of everyday happiness where you prioritize simple pleasures.

BREAK DOWN SELF-CARE

Nurturing your body, mind, and soul through acts of self-care is an essential part of happiness. But as great as it sounds to spend an entire day (or week) devoted to treating yourself, it can be hard to find time to spare—and you don’t really need to take that long to reap the benefits. Make it easier to fit in some much needed self-care by breaking it into shorter moments in your usual routine, like a five-minute meditation after waking up, a walk during lunch, a delicious and healthy meal for dinner, and thirty minutes with a good book before bed.

STEP OUTSIDE

No matter the weather, getting outside for even just a couple minutes provides a reset for your mood—especially if you spend most of the day cooped up inside in front of a screen. You’ll also give your brain a moment to recharge in the fresh air, so you can get back to whatever you were doing with more energy.

LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC

Music of any kind has therapeutic benefits, but classical tunes are particularly relaxing for your brain. The calm sounds soothe any anxieties you might be feeling, inviting positive vibes to replace them. And if you’re trying to focus on something, playing classical music can drown out any distractions. Put on a little Bach, Vivaldi, or Mozart and let the music carry you to your happy place.

SET A BOUNDARY

Setting boundaries within the different relationships in your life is crucial to self-love: You’re aware of your limitations and able to communicate your expectations around respect and happiness. Think about what boundaries you might have for friends, partners, and family, and consider how well-defined those boundaries are. If you’ve struggled with setting boundaries, try starting small. Say no to something that might hurt your mental or physical well-being.

GO OUT FOR A MEAL

Dining out is a great way to bring more joy into your life: You’re able to enjoy delicious food that you didn’t have to make! You can eat alone and relish in the peace and quiet, or make plans with a group of friends to reconnect over a plate of fries.

FIND AN INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

Sometimes it can get a little tough to see the silver lining (or the light at the end of the tunnel) when you’re faced with a difficult situation. Hey, life can get pretty crazy! But it can also be pretty awesome, and when you’re feeling down, it can help to have a visual reminder of this. Spend some time looking for an inspirational quote (or a few) that lifts your spirits and motivates you to push through the obstacles in your life. Be sure to print it out and frame it, or save it to your phone, so you can look to it whenever you need a boost.

WEAR A PEDOMETER

You probably already know that exercise directly influences your happiness, and wearing a pedometer is the perfect reminder to move your body as much as possible! Seeing your steps add up on the screen motivates you to sit less and helps you set goals for physical activity. You can wear a Fitbit or smart watch, or use an app on your smartphone.

RESCUE AN ANIMAL

Is there anything more uplifting than the unconditional love of a pet? We think not. If you’re ready to adopt a new best pal, make it happen! Visit a local animal rescue to give a home to an animal in need, and prepare for a lot of happiness to come your way.

HIRE HELP

Oftentimes, feeling overwhelmed is a big obstacle between you and happiness. After all, life can be pretty chaotic! To make it a bit easier on yourself, and create more room for the things that do make you happy, consider budgeting for extra help—like a house cleaner once a month, an accountant to get you through tax season, or a virtual assistant to handle simple tasks.

MASSAGE YOUR FEET

Massages aren’t just for special occasions at swanky spas: You can do a mini at-home version for free! By pampering your feet, you will soothe any pressure that’s built up during the day, and feel good about caring for yourself. Start with a little soothing lotion (olive or coconut oil will also do the trick) and, while holding one foot with both hands, massage your heel and arch. Then, dig your thumbs into the ball of your foot and move them in small circles. Wiggle and stretch your toes for added relief. Repeat with your other foot. For an extra treat, apply a foot mask afterward.

READ ABOUT SOMETHING POSITIVE

When you’re stuck in a bad mood, it can feel like everything around you is negative—which makes you feel even worse. To break the cycle, read something uplifting. Proof that there is good in the world—firefighters rescuing a lost pet from a well, a Good Samaritan giving CPR to save a life, kids visiting a nursing home on Halloween—is just the thing to snap you out of that unhappy spiral and remind you of everything worth celebrating in life. Plus, it’s pretty hard not to smile when you’re reading about something positive. Some broadcast networks and national magazines have “good news” features about inspirational or funny stories, or you can search for articles online.