No matter how good the week has been, we’ll hazard a guess that by the time you get to Friday afternoon you’re slamming your laptop shut and thanking the powers that be that it’s finally over.

And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with looking forward to a Saturday night out with your besties or a Sunday self-care day, it’s high time we stopped waiting for the weekend to make ourselves feel whole again. 

This year, we’re finding ways to add little moments of joy to our everyday.

From an impromptu date night to a dinner party with friends, we’ve rounded up some inspiration to help you sprinkle a little happiness throughout your week and make it feel more special…

Getting outside first thing in the morning is one of the best ways to start your day.

According to Mind, spending time in nature can help improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anger, and help you connect with your community to combat loneliness.

It sounds so simple but lacing up your trainers and heading out the door before you pick up your phone to start doom scrolling or checking emails could be the ticket to a day of smiles over stress.

And if you can grab a friend to come with you, even better. We’re all super busy right now, but by squeezing in a catch up on your morning walk, you’re actually killing two birds with one stone: exercising to release those all important endorphins and connecting with other human beings. 

Don’t know anybody who lives nearby? Fear not. Schedule a call with friend instead or pop on your favourite podcast so you feel like you’re in good company.

It may not seem like a big deal but trust us, it’s the perfect way to start off your day.

When the weather’s holding up, who doesn’t love a good outdoor dinner party? Especially one that’s focused on good food, great drinks and even better company.

The best kind of al fresco dinner is one that includes ample cheese, some form of truffle-flavoured crisp and a digestif that’s a dessert and cocktail rolled into one. Our personal favourite? This surprising twist on the classic espresso martini… 

The Baileys Deliciously Light Flat White Martini.

You’ll need:

50ml Baileys Deliciously Light

25ml vodka

25ml espresso

A few ice cubes

Coffee beans to garnish

Method:

1. Put everything, apart from the coffee beans, into a cocktail shaker

2. Shake, shake and shake some more (dancing while you do this is heavily encouraged)

3. Strain your cocktail into a martini glass, top with the coffee beans and it’s ready to serve

You can adjust the ingredients according to the number of guests you’re entertaining – everyone is bound to want one. Coffee and Baileys? We couldn’t think of a better way to round off the evening.

Now, before you skip past this one because you don’t have a significant other, we’d like to remind you that date night isn’t just for couples. You can do date nights with your friends or even with yourself if you need some me time.

Some of the best dates are the ones that are unplanned. If the sun is shining, why not head to your favourite supermarket and grab a picnic for an evening in the park with your favourite person? Or, if you don’t fancy leaving the house, you could surprise your partner with a themed three course dinner.

There’s nothing more precious than spending time with yourself, so if you’re heading out for a solo date night, be sure to do something you love. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try a painting class or go to a restaurant that you’ve been recommended but haven’t had the chance to try. Maybe you just want to enjoy a movie night alone with your favourite snacks.

Whatever you do, indulging in a treat that’s just for you is sure to bring joy to your day.

If there’s one sure fire way to bring joy to your day, it’s spending the time doing something nice for others. Self-care is great, but there’s something about taking care of other people that really makes us feel good.

You could offer to mow your neighbour’s lawn or run an errand for your mum when she’s super busy. Or, you could treat someone to a Baileys Deliciously Light raspberry smoothie. Think strawberries and cream vibes with an Irish cream liqueur twist.

You’ll need:

70ml Baileys Deliciously Light

240g ice

170g fresh raspberries

Raspberries to garnish

Method:

1. Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and whipped

2. Pour into a mason jar, top with raspberries and it’s ready to serve

It’s the perfect substitute for that evening ice lolly and, as it’s super thick, we recommend enjoying it through a straw.

Yep, you read that right. One of the best ways to add a slice of joy to your day is by scheduling a good old nap.

It’s especially helpful to get a powernap in if you’ve had a rough night’s sleep to help you recover from sleep deprivation, so get comfy, pop on some relaxing music and close your eyes. 

Try not to nod off for too long, though – napping for any more than 30 minutes during the day could disrupt your ability to sleep come bedtime.

If you find that you can’t nap or don’t feel tired enough to fulfil a full 30 minutes of shut-eye, you could try meditation instead. Try a guided meditation or just cue up 20 minutes or so of your favourite music to kick back and relax to.

There’s nothing more joyful than sneaking in a bit of downtime during a busy day.

Whether you’re after a post-dinner party digestif or you’re treating someone special to a fruity evening cocktail to celebrate a spot of good weather, Baileys Deliciously Light is the ideal sip to enjoy with your favourite people, come rain or shine.

Please drink responsibly. Please do not forward this article to anyone under the age of 18.