One of the most incredible aspects of having children is observing their fascination with the world; their ability to be completely enraptured by a butterfly, or gift wrap, or cookie dough. Where does it go when we grow up, that sense of awe? Self-love forms the foundation for healthy relationships and happiness in general. When we feel connected to ourselves, we feel connected to everything else as well.

Reconnect with your inner child
Not the one who used to throw snotty tantrums of course – the one who used to get uncontrollable giggles, or lose track of time while making daisy chains. Your inner child is not really a child – it is a kind of inner wisdom that allows us to find joy in the simplest things… Blow bubbles, sing your favourite song out loud in a Punjabi accent (we dare you not to laugh) – anything that makes you feel wonderfully, ridiculously childish.

Commit flagrant acts of kindness
When we perform selfless, compassionate acts, we are more likely to perceive kindness in others, and the world becomes a kinder place. Not only that, we like ourselves more.

Mediate
For those who consider it airy-fairy navel-gazing, the word usually elicits reflexive eye-rolling. But even Hugh Jackman swears by it: just 15 minutes a day is believed to stimulate creativity, relieve stress and anxiety, improve cardiovascular health (bizarrely) and promote feelings of inner peace. Also (you never know), you might bump into Hugh on the astral plane.

Do something unexpected
Go to a tango class (yes, that old chestnut, but don’t knock it); download music from bands you’ve never heard of or a genre you traditionally steer clear of; go on a solo road trip; sign up for a course on fiction writing or public speaking or advanced origami – anything. You know when people say, ‘I finally know who I am’? Moving out of your comfort zone is the magic ticket, as you’ll be traversing new inner territory. It might be uncomfortable, it might be a dead end – or it might lead to something truly wonderful. Only one way to find out!