Welcome to February. A fresh chapter, a gentle reset, and an invitation to reconnect with yourself

This is a guest blog post from Abi Unwin, founder of Abigail Jane Coaching.

As an accredited Master Executive Coach, I spend much of my time supporting individuals and leaders who are striving to feel more fulfilled, more grounded, and more aligned with the life they truly want to live. One of the universal truths that emerges across all of this work is that happiness does not arrive as a grand event. It is cultivated in small, intentional moments that honour who we are and what we need. 

Below are six simple, practical ways to begin nurturing more happiness and joy in your life, beginning today. 

1. Simplify Where You Can 

We often underestimate how much energy we expend maintaining full calendars, constant productivity, and a pace that leaves little room for presence. Happiness gets squeezed out when life becomes a list of tasks rather than a lived experience. 

Consider where you can soften the edges of your schedule: 

• Reduce unnecessary commitments 

• Say no to things that deplete you 

• Leave pockets of unstructured space in your day 

We do not know how many moments we will be given, but we do know this one is here now. Slowing down enough to actually experience our lives is one of the most powerful acts of joy we can choose. 

2. Engage in a Mindful, Restorative Activity 

Mindfulness is not only meditation (though meditation is excellent if it works for you). Mindfulness is any activity that allows your mind to idle gently, to soften rather than strain. 

For some, that might be: 

• Running or walking without headphones 

• Knitting, sewing, gardening or crafting 

• Playing music or listening deeply to it 

• Reading a book for pleasure 

• Watching something that makes you genuinely laugh 

When the mind rests, the nervous system recalibrates. From that place, emotional regulation becomes easier, clarity returns, and we reconnect with ourselves with greater kindness. 

3. Create Space to Reflect 

Reflection is a core practice in coaching, and one of the simplest ways to direct your life towards what you truly value. 

At the end of each day, ask yourself: 

• What felt good today? 

• When did I feel most like myself? 

• What brought me joy, even in a small way? 

These questions help you notice what nurtures you, and when you know that, you can intentionally invite more of it into your life. 

4. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To 

We are wired to benefit from anticipation. Having something on the horizon, however small, can uplift our mindset significantly. 

This does not require grand gestures or expensive plans. It can be: 

• A walk somewhere new 

• A planned phone call with a friend 

• Trying a new café or recipe 

• Booking a local class or event 

Write it down. Put it somewhere you will see it. Let the reminder be a soft spark of future joy. 

5. Choose to Smile 

Research shows that the simple act of smiling can influence your emotional state by sending signals to the brain that say, “I am safe, I am okay.” Even a gentle, intentional smile can shift how the nervous system responds. 

And smiles are contagious. They often create a reciprocal exchange of warmth. Particularly in the darker, colder months, small shared moments of connection can make a profound difference. 

6. Engage All Your Senses in Moments of Joy 

When you are experiencing something enjoyable, pause and notice it fully. 

Ask yourself: 

• What do I see? 

• What do I hear? 

• What do I smell, taste, or touch? 

• What emotion is present in my body right now? 

Happiness becomes more memorable when we allow ourselves to feel it deeply. These sensory details create emotional “anchors” you can return to when you need grounding or encouragement. 

A Final Thought 

Happiness is not a destination, it is a practice. A series of small, compassionate choices that align us with who we are and what matters to us. 

This February, rather than pushing for dramatic transformation, try leaning into presence, gentleness, and connection. Notice what nourishes your spirit and allow more of it in. 

You deserve to feel joy in your life, not someday, but now. 

Abi Unwin is an Accredited Master Executive Coach and founder of Abigail Jane Coaching. She specialises in supporting high-performing leaders, business owners, and individuals to create lives and careers that feel meaningful, balanced, and aligned with their values. With a warm, grounded approach and a commitment to practical transformation, Abi helps clients reconnect to their inner clarity, build emotional resilience, and step confidently into the fullest expression of who they are. Visit abigailjanecoaching.com or follow Abi on IG @abigailjanecoaching. Connect with Abi on LinkedIn.