Simple pleasures can add a little joy to your day when you indulge in them.
They can be easy to experience when you can slow down. Sometimes becoming aware of them can help us to recognize and enjoy them.
You can also choose one of your simple pleasures to have a better day!
Fresh Sheets
Clean sheets feel great! The first few moments of getting in bed feel awesome when the sheets are clean.
Sunshine on Your Face
Feeling the sun on your face can feel great, especially after a few cloudy days.
The Smell of the Rain
Researchers have documented what causes the smell and even named it petrichor.
It’s a simple joy to inhale the fresh air after it rains.
Watching a Sunrise or Sunset
The sun rises and sets daily, giving plenty of chances to take in a beautiful sky.
You may need to take a drive and plan in advance if other homes, trees, or buildings block your view.
Look for nearby lakes or other open areas where you can see the horizon.
The Taste of Food
Taking time to enjoy the taste of each bite of food can be a simple pleasure.
And you may enjoy the food more if you take small bites and appreciate the taste and texture.
Nature
The beauty of creation is all around us. From trees to flowers, even weeds can look beautiful.
Take a moment to appreciate the landscape. Even in big cities, there are parks offering a break from buildings.
Petting a Pet
I love spending time with my cats. They enjoy being petted, and I enjoy petting them.
If you do not have a dog, cat, or other animal that enjoys being petted, you may be able to get your fix at an animal rescue. Sometimes, rescues or shelters allow people to visit animals in their care.
Or you may have a friend or family member with a pet that enjoys attention from people other than its owners.
You could also go to a petting zoo!
The Smell of Coffee
Many people start their day with coffee and its distinctive scent.
Taking in the aroma and drinking slowly is a way to make coffee drinking a simple pleasure.
Desserts
Indulging in your favorite dessert can be a simple pleasure, especially if you can have it on hand to enjoy whatever you’d like.
For example, having your favorite flavor of ice cream in the freezer.
Warm Blankets Right Out of the Dryer
You’re probably not washing your blankets every day. However, when you do, cozy up with the warm blanket as soon as you remove it from the dryer.
Of course, this will require you to take the blanket out of the dryer promptly.
Your Favorite Movie
You’ve probably seen your favorite movie many times. That’s why it’s your favorite!
Defaulting to your favorite movie is a simple pleasure. It can take away decision fatigue when you’re ready to relax for a couple of hours.
Hugs
Hug a friend, partner, spouse, or child.
A Clean Room
Perfect vacuum lines on the carpet and a room free of clutter can feel relaxing as soon as you walk into it.
Instant Connections
You can text your favorite friend or family member with an encouraging message adding joy to them and you.
Getting Deliveries
This is one of my husband’s simple pleasures. He loves ordering things online and having packages show up the next day.
I’m not encouraging shopping addiction, but take a moment to appreciate the advances in technology that make it so easy to have most things delivered directly to your home with the click of a button.
Watching Children Play
Many people enjoy watching children, when the kids are getting along.
Joy can be found watching them interacting with each other and having a good time.
My parents love to watch their great grandchildren.
Alone Time
Having some alone time is a joy for those that are rarely alone.
Laughing at Memes
Memes often represent life. And sometimes those memes are funny.
Guilty Pleasures
There are also many guilty pleasures, which are things people sometimes enjoy and keep it a secret.
How to Be Happy
Learn more about feeling happy:
Generation X Kid Things
There are things I did as a kid in the 1980s that kids these days don’t do anymore.
