“I recently came across the idea of the ‘pocket list’: bitesize intentions you can easily tick off to bring a little more joy each week. It’s really got me out celebrating what’s on my doorstep - which I never used to make enough time for.

“Instead of basing my year on expensive trips away, I’ve decided to become a tourist in my own home city.

“Whether it’s a coffee shop with the best pastries, a picturesque harbourside stroll I’ve been meaning to get around to or a low-cost day trip to the seaside for that R&R feeling, I’m finding new joys at home each week.”

Aisha, 28, Bristol

“It might sound silly, but the way I’m tending to treat myself this year is by saying ‘no’ a whole lot more. Living in London, there’s always something else to do and I think people sometimes forget that actually swerving the next plan can be the greatest treat for yourself.

“I found myself hurtling towards burnout at the end of last year, and it made me rethink my always-on lifestyle. While going out can be fun, I’ve realised it’s just not in my nature to find all my joy in living large.

“Now, I see actively scheduling in me-time as the real treat. Whether it’s picking up a book I haven’t had the chance to get stuck into or just simply sticking on a podcast and having a bath, my life now feels like it’s got a happy balance.”

Gemma, 32, south London

“Toward the end of 2022, I moved flats, and I’ve been finding it a real joy hosting people. We’ll put some pizzas in the oven and I’ve started whipping up some homemade cocktails with the help of Baileys (everyone’s obsessed with my now-signature ‘chocktail’). 

“Next on the list to try is a homemade twist on brunch with Baileys French toast - what we’re realising is that sharing moments with friends, whichever form they take, is the real treat!” 

Rima, 31, Birmingham  

“I’ve got a core friendship group where we’ve been close for years. We’ve seen each other in our best (and worst) states and knowing absolutely everything about one another means we’ve kind of done it all.

“To liven up our fortnightly catch-ups, we’ve decided to take it in turns to draw up the plans – and it’s been surprising the number of different ways we can make time for fun!

“We’ve hosted dinners and I recently arranged a drink and draw night which even the less creative among us enjoyed.

“These little treats have brought a new dynamic to our friendship and we still have plenty of time to reminisce about our uni days as well.”

Sarah, 34, Manchester 

“Last Christmas was the first time my whole family had managed to get together since Covid, and it made us realise just how much we used to take each other for granted.

“We’ve all said we won’t let it get that way again, because time is precious, and have decided to try and make an occasion out of every chance we get this year.

“Personally, I’m not saving outfits for ‘best’ any more, hosting dinner parties has now become my grown-up hobby of choice, and I’m scheduling in quality time with my loved ones every single week – even if it’s just a walk in the park with a coffee.”

Olivia, 29, east London