9 Simple Happiness Boosters for Every Day
We offer some fun suggestions, simple changes and silly but cheerful tips that can brighten your world
Jo Simmons
18 March 2022
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
When imagining how you can improve your daily life, it’s normal to think big when it comes to the home: outfit a new kitchen, redesign the bathroom or convert the attic. But little changes – such as giving yourself a future present, or creating a ‘done’ list – can go a long way too. Check out these suggestions for more happiness right now.
1. Put up a picture
We’re not talking about investing in expensive artwork – this is about displaying any image that moves or inspires you. Pop it by your bed, above your desk or wherever you’re sure to see it. If you like, just stick it up temporarily with some funky washi tape. However you do it, notice how much better your day feels when a picture you love catches your eye.
We’re not talking about investing in expensive artwork – this is about displaying any image that moves or inspires you. Pop it by your bed, above your desk or wherever you’re sure to see it. If you like, just stick it up temporarily with some funky washi tape. However you do it, notice how much better your day feels when a picture you love catches your eye.
2. Write a ‘note to self’
Hang a piece of graphic art that amuses you or reminds you of a life truth. Or simply write a bit of wit or wisdom on a sticky note and put it up somewhere in the house.
On a future date in your calendar, write an inspiring or funny note, such as ‘Stay amazing’, ‘Take a break’ or ‘Eat chocolate at 3pm’.
Hang a piece of graphic art that amuses you or reminds you of a life truth. Or simply write a bit of wit or wisdom on a sticky note and put it up somewhere in the house.
On a future date in your calendar, write an inspiring or funny note, such as ‘Stay amazing’, ‘Take a break’ or ‘Eat chocolate at 3pm’.
3. Tuck bucks away
Leave a $5 or $10 note in the pocket of an infrequently worn coat. When you find it again, it’ll be a gift from you to you. Do something thoughtful with it for yourself or a friend.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you to create a home you love
Leave a $5 or $10 note in the pocket of an infrequently worn coat. When you find it again, it’ll be a gift from you to you. Do something thoughtful with it for yourself or a friend.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you to create a home you love
4. Drink water when you wake
Your body loses fluid while you sleep, and you spend about eight hours overnight without a drink. By the time you wake up, you’ll be slightly dehydrated. Start your day by drinking a glass of water before you move on to coffee or tea. It’s great for your health and can improve your skin too.
Your body loses fluid while you sleep, and you spend about eight hours overnight without a drink. By the time you wake up, you’ll be slightly dehydrated. Start your day by drinking a glass of water before you move on to coffee or tea. It’s great for your health and can improve your skin too.
5. Create a ‘done’ list
To-do lists have a habit of constantly growing, which can be demoralising. Every now and then, make a list of things that you’ve already achieved on your way toward a specific goal, and add to it every day.
If you depend on a to-do list to keep you going, at least leave all the completed jobs on it, satisfyingly crossed off, to give you a sense of achievement no matter how many tasks remain.
To-do lists have a habit of constantly growing, which can be demoralising. Every now and then, make a list of things that you’ve already achieved on your way toward a specific goal, and add to it every day.
If you depend on a to-do list to keep you going, at least leave all the completed jobs on it, satisfyingly crossed off, to give you a sense of achievement no matter how many tasks remain.
6. Add one item you love to each room
Whether it’s a pillow, a piece of furniture or a simple vase, try to work one treasure that means something to you into each room. You’ll be amazed at how often your eye seeks it out, and at how gratifying it is to see it there.
Browse more stunning dining spaces
Whether it’s a pillow, a piece of furniture or a simple vase, try to work one treasure that means something to you into each room. You’ll be amazed at how often your eye seeks it out, and at how gratifying it is to see it there.
Browse more stunning dining spaces
7. Keep your sheets nice and fresh
So simple but so effective! Nothing makes you feel more pampered than sinking into a bed made up with freshly laundered sheets. Make sure you always have a set clean and ready to use, and aim to change your bedding at least once a week.
So simple but so effective! Nothing makes you feel more pampered than sinking into a bed made up with freshly laundered sheets. Make sure you always have a set clean and ready to use, and aim to change your bedding at least once a week.
8. Invest in another pair (or two) of reading glasses
If you often find yourself browsing for your bifocals, leave some spare specs in key rooms, so you never have to plod despondently around the house looking for them.
If you often find yourself browsing for your bifocals, leave some spare specs in key rooms, so you never have to plod despondently around the house looking for them.
9. Read a book
Fallen out of the habit of reading? It’s time to reconnect with books. Banish phones, tablets and e-readers from the bedroom and go old school by reading a real book, rather than a screen, before you hit the lights.
Research suggests that this will help you sleep better, plus there’s something pleasing about holding a book in your hands.
Your turn
What are your tricks for making every day just a little bit better? We’d love to hear about them in the Comments. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Get your next dose of home inspiration here with How Do I… Prepare My Home For a Rescue Pet?
Fallen out of the habit of reading? It’s time to reconnect with books. Banish phones, tablets and e-readers from the bedroom and go old school by reading a real book, rather than a screen, before you hit the lights.
Research suggests that this will help you sleep better, plus there’s something pleasing about holding a book in your hands.
Your turn
What are your tricks for making every day just a little bit better? We’d love to hear about them in the Comments. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Get your next dose of home inspiration here with How Do I… Prepare My Home For a Rescue Pet?
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As much as possible, I use the "good set" for everything. Plates, cups, cutlery. I have cheap stuff as well but the small pleasure of using things that usually have some sentimental or aesthetic value in my everyday life really do enhance my feeling of well-being.
Snuggling up with a pet is one of life’s little joys.
I love #8.