Enjoying the Simple Pleasures in Life

Finding simple pleasures in life

If we’ve learned anything over the past five months, it’s to start enjoying the simple pleasures in life. The COVID-19 pandemic and global shutdown has truly stopped us all in our tracks and forced us to slow down. 

Many of us had big plans that were expected to bring happiness into our lives, whether it be a vacation, graduation or wedding. But the simple pleasures in life are what we can count on to give us continuous joy. 

I don’t know about you, but being stuck at home, I really had to reevaluate what happiness means to me. Was it going to restaurants, seeing exotic places and planning the next big party? Yes, those things are wonderful, but they don’t define our lives day in and day out. 

Instead, I began to find gratitude for the simple pleasures of life. When we appreciate and enjoy the simple things, the gratitude we feel will extend to other areas as well. 

While we are still grappling with the pandemic, now is the time to remind yourself about the happiness we can find in simple pleasures. When life gets back to “normal,” it’s important to keep in touch with these simple ways to find happiness to keep us grateful and grounded. 

Here are some of the simple pleasures that are worth making an effort to experience often.

Simple pleasures to enjoy

Spending time in nature

From freshly cut grass to brightly colored flowers to wild animals, it’s soothing to spend time in nature. With so many businesses closed right now, it’s the perfect time to spend your free time walking around and taking in all the nature around you.

Giving and receiving smiles

What better way to experience a simple pleasure for free? Now more than ever, everyone needs to smile. We often forget to live in the moment and often have other thoughts in our mind when we pass people on the street. Take a moment to smile (even if it’s behind a mask) and you will be surprised at the joy it will bring to others. 

The endorphin rush after working out

Working out is not only good for your heart, but you will also get an endorphin rush as a reward. These natural, feel-good chemicals are sure to brighten your day. Work out in the morning in order to use this endorphin rush to help you be especially productive throughout the rest of your day.

Enjoying your favorite food

Even if your favorite food is not especially healthy, allow yourself to have it every now and then. The feeling of your much-loved food will bring you a little boost of pleasure. One bonus of being home more often now is the ability to cook meals and try different recipes. Whether your favorite food is a staple in your cooking repertoire or something you only eat out, now is the perfect time to whip up a batch. 

Hot cup of coffee or tea

Some of us survive on our daily coffee or tea. Even when it is a daily habit, it can bring much joy. As you sip on your beverage of choice, take some quiet time to enjoy every sip. 

Making the most of the season

Whether it’s starting a garden in the spring, picking flowers in the summer, going apple picking in the fall or making snow angels in winter, there is something to enjoy in every season. Whatever your favorite seasonal activity is, make sure to set aside some time to enjoy it because the seasons don’t last forever.

Laughing until it hurts

Laughter is like medicine. Everyone should have an opportunity to laugh until it hurts at least once a day. Whether it’s with your best friend who always has hilarious stories or turning on a classic comedy movie, take some time to laugh away your stress.

Taking a relaxing shower or bath

It doesn’t matter what your preference, but taking a relaxing shower or bath can wash the worries of the day away. Use some essential oils or natural bath products, light a candle and enjoy the time alone to free your mind. 

Walking in the rain

Do you remember being a little kid and playing in the rain? Throwing on your galoshes and jumping in puddles? Sometimes we need to be a little kid again and take pleasure in the simple rush of nature. You can bundle up in a raincoat and umbrella or venture out to let the rain fall on your skin, but soak in that refreshing feeling of water falling from the sky.

Find time for simple pleasures

Many of these simple pleasures can be simply incorporated into your everyday routines. Although we often feel there’s not enough time in the day to enjoy life, it doesn’t take long to find simple pleasures.

If you don’t feel like you can just sit back and enjoy these simple pleasures at least once a day, it’s time to start prioritizing your schedule. Block time in the morning, mid-day and night to do at least one thing to increase your happiness. 

For instance, wake up fifteen minutes early to enjoy your cup of coffee or tea before starting work. Make the time just about you and really taste every sip.

At lunch, take a walk around the neighborhood and take in the nature around you. Nature is all around us, we just need to be in the moment to take it all in.

Lastly, block some time after dinner to enjoy your shower or bath. Taking a relaxing shower or bath before bedtime will help you wind down for the day.

By intentionally setting aside small blocks throughout the day, you can find simple pleasures that increase happiness without feeling overwhelmed by all the other stressors of work and daily life. Always be mindful of the time you block for you and stick to it. You wouldn’t cancel a meeting with a coworker, so don’t cancel a meeting with yourself!

Final thoughts

Expensive fun is great, but now more than ever, we know it can be hard to come by. Instead of waiting for your next vacation, indulge in one of these simple pleasures. By learning to appreciate the little things right next to you, you will find great fulfillment each and every day.

When you feel you don’t have time to enjoy the little things in life, block time in your schedule to spend time for you. It can be short ten or fifteen minute blocks, but it’s so important for your happiness and overall well-being.

If you’re having trouble letting go of anxiety or frustration with the current pandemic, try writing down the simple pleasures throughout the day that bring you joy. Whether it includes the items on the list above or your own simple pleasures, writing down the little things will help you feel grateful for everything you have.

What simple pleasures do you enjoy most in life? Let me know in the comments below.