Feel Happier - 20 Little Ways

1. Love sleeping in on Saturdays? Make your bed even more of a haven by buying the cosiest sheets. Invest in some that have at least a 250-thread count – the higher the number, the softer the feel.

2. On Monday morning, upgrade your usual coffee to a latte.

3. If you enjoy throwing dinner parties, buy a round dining room table – it will promote conversation, because everyone will be able to see each other.

4. Post-holiday, keep your high going by researching where you want to go on your next trip.

5. Stock your bathroom with candles in relaxing scents like lavender and sandalwood, so every time you take a bath, you can easily turn it into a mini spa.

6. Sunday night is a quiet, stay-at-home kind of evening. So make it a ritual with your guy or a group of friends to cook a meal that’s a little more gourmet and delicious than your usual.

7. During the winter, get a year-round flowering plant for your place so you’ll feel springy and fresh even when it’s cold outside.

8. Magnify the sexiness of date night by turning it into a whole weekend. Plan romantic dinners, a fun movie to see and some daytime activities. Then tell him to pack a bag on Friday and head to your place until Sunday.

9. Put together an energising and inspiring playlist just for your commute to work... and a more calm and relaxing one for your trip home.

10. Create a reading area to make settling in with a load of magazines or a good book even more enjoyable. Pick a cosy, nicely lit corner of your couch, and add a soft blanket and small table for you to rest a drink on.

11. Never go on a date without wearing sassy undies and a matching bra, even if you know he won’t see them. It’s for you, honey.

12. Having cute and flattering gym clothes to slip into means you’ll actually look forward to sweating.

13. Ask your favourite shops if they have mailing lists you can be added to. Once you’re signed up, they’ll send you discounts and special offers.

14. There’s nothing like a glass of wine at the end of a long day. Splurge on a couple snazzy, high-end glasses that are designed to optimise the aroma and flavour of your wine. They honestly make all the difference.

15. Make Saturday afternoons even brighter by scheduling phone sessions with long-distance pals.

16. Celebrate the fact that you’ve made it to midweek by treating yourself to a small dessert at lunch – like a cupcake or chocolate-chip cookie.

17. You likely spend loads of time in your living room, so make it inviting by using warm colours. Try eggplant throw pillows or a golden amber rug.

18. lf you have huge plans for a Friday night, think ahead and take the day off work. You can devote those hours to primping, so you’ll feel extra-hot when you meet up with friends later.

19. Right before you fall asleep, send your guy a loving text message. He’ll get it the next morning, and you’ll get a sweet response to start off your a.m. routine.

20. Mmm... spaghetti. Up the yum factor by adding big, juicy black olives and shaved Romano or Parmesan cheese to your noodles and basic marinara sauce.

SEXY NEW THINGS TO TRY
Push the envelope this year, and make yourself take a few of our daring suggestions.
• Single? Every week, be ballsy and chat up a hottie in an unconventional place – like in line at the bookstore.
• Make a three-month promotion plan. Start logging all the accomplishments you’ve made in the past year, and bump up your enthusiasm and productivity from now until pay day. Then set up a time to talk to your boss.
• Create your own blog. Pick one of your favourite hobbies, and begin writing about it online. People with similar interests will find you and might even start commenting on your posts.
• Maybe you’d rather peruse the gossip rags, but one day a week, make yourself read an article you wouldn’t normally engage in. Some will be boring, but others will spark new areas of interest. You’ll be amazed by how much info you’ll pick up over a couple months.
• Learning new things will keep you sharp. Look into foreign-language or cooking classes in your area.

Author: Bethany Heitman