Winter may be a time of festivity and cheer for some, but for others it can cause a great deal of anxiety and sadness. What better way to brave the cold weather than with a hot cup of tea? For a soothing, non-stimulating experience, opt for chamomile or another herbal variety. Sit back, close your eyes, and let the pleasant taste and aroma transport you to your happy place.

We all know the stressors of a particularly difficult work week. When the weekend comes, it’s important to let yourself practice self-care by having an alarm-free Saturday or Sunday (or both!). Forget your morning commute, forget your office to-do list, turn off your phone and just enjoy the warmth of your bed and the awesome feeling of having to be nowhere at all.

Every person has a different relationship with physical affection, but for those of us who like to be physically close with our loved ones, there’s nothing like a quality cuddle to improve your day. Intimacy is an essential component of wellbeing, so hunker down with your favorite blanket and your favorite person and let the spooning begin!

It’s essential to let yourself unwind at the end of the day, and there’s nothing like a warm bath to help your find your peace of mind. Add a bath bomb or even some old-fashioned bubble to take your experience to the next level. Close your eyes, breathe in, and let the warmth and aroma of your surroundings wash your woes away.

Between the hush of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and the briny scent of the ocean, the beach is one of the most relaxing environments on Earth. One of the greatest joys of any beach visit is flipping off your sandals and walking barefoot through the warm sand. Enjoy every step as you let the grains of sand slip between your toes. If you’re landlocked, you can still enjoy the pleasure of a barefoot stroll through your lawn or garden.

Scientists agree that having a pet is a great way to improve your mental health. Our furry friends need love too, so make sure you give them the attention they deserve with a daily petting. This will not only bring joy to your dog or cat, but also improve your own mood by engrossing you in a wholly sensory experience.

Chocolate is not only delicious but also great for your health. Dark chocolate, in particular, can help improve your memory, blood pressure, and mood. Enjoying chocolate is also a great way to practice mindful eating. Pay attention to every single bite, reveling in your awareness of taste and feeling gratitude for the nourishment that food provides.

Our bodies need to move in order to feel their best. Even if you’re too low for a full-blown workout, you can still take pleasure in the joy of movement with a simple stretching exercise, such as morning yoga. Stretching not only helps you relax but also can relieve pain.

If you want to feel grateful for this beautiful planet, then there’s no better way than rising with the dawn and enjoying colors that you never imagined could exist in nature. Sunrises are an everyday miracle that will never fail to amaze you. If you’re not a morning person, the same can also be said for sunsets. Gather your loved ones, grab a hot cup of tea or coffee, and revel in the wonder of Mother Nature.

With so many digital devices out there vying for our attention, it can be hard to remember that one of our greatest pastimes is enjoying a good book. Crack open the cover and let yourself get swept away in an amazing tale. Not only does reading help you forget your own stressors, but it also can improve compassion for yourself and others.

Everyone has a unique sense of humor. Even if others sometimes don’t “get” your jokes, that doesn’t mean they aren’t utterly funny! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying your own company. In fact, having a positive relationship with yourself is essential to finding the sense of inner wellbeing that my program is all about. So go ahead — let yourself laugh at your own jokes. There’s no greater feeling than being your own best friend.

From crimson reds to firey oranges, fall leaves display an array of brilliant colors that can instantly lift your spirits. When autumn comes, try to set time aside to go for a stroll, and let yourself enjoy the seasonal foliage. Breathe in the crisp autumn hair, enjoy the comfort of your favorite sweater, and surround yourself with the colors and sounds of nature.

Good deeds come in all shapes and sizes, from volunteering for your favorite charity to simply opening the door for someone. If you want to improve your self-esteem and find your soul joy, try to do one good deed each day. I recommend something small, like smiling at a stranger or offering a compliment to a coworker.

Digital devices are one of the greatest conveniences of our time, but they also can bring a great deal of stress. Mental health experts recommend a “digital detox” every once in a while in order to reduce your stress. This involves voluntarily refraining from using digital devices such as your smartphone, computer, and social media devices. Your digital detox may be as short as an hour to as long as a week. Just go with whatever feels best and most realistic for you. I’m confident that you’ll feel a positive difference.

Who doesn’t love the scent and warmth of fresh laundry? This is especially true when it comes to your bedding. Next time you finish your laundry, hop into your freshly washed sheets and let yourself enjoy this classic act of self-care.

While many associate rainy days with depression, “bad” weather can, in fact, offer a great way to reduce stress. Some people even purchase sound machines in order to let the pound of raindrops against the windowpane lull them to sleep. Luckily, you can enjoy this luxury for free the next time it pours. Sit in your coziest chair, close your eyes, and pay attention to every pitter patter. Before you know it, your troubles will be miles away.

When it comes to finding your soul joy, it’s important to remember the little things in life. Best of all, there’s no need to be rich to enjoy these simple pleasures — almost all of them cost virtually nothing! For more advice on how you can live your best life, sign up for my budget-friendly Journey to Joy class today. Your journey includes a free printable guided journal and guided mini meditation. Enjoy inner peace, self-confidence, and a mindful life living in your soul joy.