The Little Book Of Lykke: The Danish Search For The World’s Happiest People by Meik Wiking (Penguin Life, £9.99)
Meik Wiking is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and he is our charming tour guide for this “treasure hunt” in which happiness is the much sought-after prize.
Travelling around the world, he learns what works best where and distils these lessons into a lovely life plan that celebrates community spirit, from communal gardening to dog sitting and the benefits of hanging out with friends and family.
The Little Book Of Kindness by Bernadette Russell (Orion Spring, £7.99)
Feeling directionless, Bernadette Russell carried out an act of kindness for a stranger every day for a year – and her life changed.
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Here she offers tips, quotes and suggestions to help you kindle kindness in your own life.
Lagom: The Swedish Art Of Living A Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark (Harper Thorsons, £9.99)
This pretty book comes with a pleasing message – extremes of anything are bad news, but “just enough” of everything will add joyfulness to our day-to-day lives.
Niki Brantmark explains that a low-key attitude to big occasions reduces the stress and ramps up the enjoyment.
She also explains how an uncluttered home helps with mental wellbeing, how candlelight makes for cosiness and why walks in the great outdoors can give you an inner and long-lasting glow.
The Little Book Of Ikigai: The Essential Japanese Way To Finding Your Purpose In Life by Ken Mogi (Quercus, £9.99)
Neuroscientist Ken Mogi explores why people in Japan live longer, healthier, happier lives than many of their counterparts in the West. He puts it all down to the magic of ikigai – roughly translated as “a reason to get up in the morning” – and its life-enhancing effects.
It’s all about maintaining mindfulness and learning to appreciate the small things in life, such as the light on a leaf, coffee and cake, creating a sense of community and finding a hobby that makes you happy.
Lagom: The Swedish Art Of Balanced Living by Linnea Dunne, (Gaia, £10)
Linnea Dunne champions upcycling, crafting and being a conscientious consumer, meaning you should think before you buy and second-hand should be your first choice.
She also encourages you to improve your work-life balance, forage for food, bake, brew, embrace “fika” (coffee and something sweet) as a guilt-free break in a busy day and dress for the weather to ensure your outdoor adventures become much more enjoyable.