55 Simple Pleasures in Life for Finding Joy

Inside: A list of 55 simple pleasures in life to remind you of ways to find peace and lower stress in our hyper-active world.

Life today is complicated…to say the least.  We have to work even harder to be intentional with our time, energy and thoughts with all the distractions coming our way. 

Enjoying simple pleasures in life are key to staying grounded and holding balance in today’s hyper-active world.  These simple pleasures allow us to feel happy in the easiest of ways and they are vital for our overall well being and self care.  

Perhaps you feel pulled in many directions:  your kids, spouse, parents, job, household chores or you are battling even bigger challenges in life such as illness or financial stress.  Finding simple pleasures in life will give you a way to reset and breathe in the goodness life has to offer as well.  

How Simple Pleasures in Life Help Us

Let’s go over how simple pleasures benefit us and why they are so important.

Simple pleasures…

• Make us pause in the busyness of a day / week / month
• Allow us to have a mental and physical break from our to-do lists
• Encourage us to have a break from screens
• Encourage us to have a break from social media and focus on “in real life” connection 
• Replace feelings of sadness with hope and joy
• Create memories for ourselves and loved ones
• Allow for reflection and deeper thinking
• Can create opportunity for fresh perspective or problem solving

Below is a list of 55 simple pleasures. See how you can incorporate one (or more!) into your life today.  Let this list remind you of basic, attainable ways to lower stress and overwhelm.

A List of 55 Simple Pleasures in Life

1. Watching an early morning sunrise

2. Watching an early evening sunset

3. Sharing a hearty, belly laugh with a close friend

4. A delicious cup of coffee or hot tea

5. The first bite of your favorite dessert

6. The endorphin rush of a strong, sweaty workout

7. Going to bed early

8. Walking your dog on a sunny day

9. Enjoying a lazy weekend morning

10. Watching a movie on a rainy afternoon

11. A funny text exchange with a friend

12. Recalling a fun memory with a friend or your family

13. Looking at photos from a favorite vacation

14. Opening your bedroom windows on a spring day

15. Lying under a warm blanket on a cold day

16. Cuddling with your child on the sofa

17. Lighting your favorite candle

18. Losing yourself in a great book

19. Losing yourself in a great movie

20. Receiving an unexpected thank you or encouragement note

21. When your laundry is all done

22. Fresh flowers or a new houseplant

23. A one-on-one lunch or dinner with your child

24. Coloring, painting or crafting just for fun

25. Sleeping in with no alarm

26. An afternoon nap with no time limit

27. Finishing a small declutter project

28. Your child’s excitement to see you after school

29. Giving someone an unexpected gift

30. Singing loudly to a favorite song

31. Dancing at home like no one is watching

32. Cooking your family’s favorite meal

33. Finishing a difficult crossword puzzle

34. Arriving home after a long trip

35. A clean kitchen

36. A freshly made bed with clean sheets

37. New pajamas

38. An unexpected act of kindness from a stranger

39. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good

40. Sitting by a roaring fire (inside or outside)

41. Coming into a warm house after a cold day outside

42. Stargazing on a clear night

43. A pool or ocean swim on a hot summer day

44. Holding hands with your spouse

45. Laughing with your spouse

46. Donating time/money/energy to people in need

47. Experiencing a new place for the first time

48. Reading a motivational quote that really resonates with you

49. Expressing gratitude for three things

50. A fresh haircut and blow dry

51. Spending time in nature — a hike in the hills, a stroll on the beach, a walk through a park

52. Achieving a goal — either big or small

53. Watching reruns of your favorite sitcom

54. Planning an upcoming trip

55. An uplifting church service or spiritual moment

How to Include Simple Pleasures In Your Routine

Now you have inspiration for over 50 simple pleasures to enjoy, but how do you make them happen?  How can you insert these ideas into your busy life?  This is done with intent and habit formation.  

Consider the suggestions below…

• Add one simple pleasure to your daily or weekly calendar.  Some of the ones above can be done daily (i.e., gratitude listing) others could be weekly or monthly (a one-one-dinner with your child).  
• Write a list of your favorite ideas from above and keep it visible in your home – on the fridge or in your planner.  
• Be on the lookout for simple pleasure opportunities – keeping these ideas front of mind will help you spot them when the opportunity arises.  I.e., a chance to text a friend, write a thank you or volunteer.
• Develop the habit.  Once you start incorporating simple pleasures regularly into your schedule (either by intent or opportunity) the positive, joyful feelings from them will help you turn this into a habit.

By enjoying the simple pleasures in life you’ll find greater satisfaction among the pull and tug of your daily routine.  Enjoy the little things and know it is worth it!