51 Little Pleasures of Life to Brighten Your Day

Sometimes, it’s the little pleasures of life that makes the big difference. There are so many little things around us that give us happiness, create moments of joy, lift our spirits, and brighten our days. They don’t cost us much or anything at all. Most of them are completely free in term of money but things we find immense pleasure in. They provide moments of pure magic that bring us firmly back into the present moments and make our life more enjoyable and meaningful.

While pursuing our long-term goals and taking care of our obligations, we often forget to slow down and take time to reflect on the little things. But these little things usually occupy the biggest part of our hearts though we don’t always realize that.

What you do every day matters more than what you do occasionally. When you allow yourself to enjoy some little pleasures (also known as simple pleasures) on a regular basis and be grateful for that, you will surely experience an increase in your level of happiness and mental well-being.

What are simple pleasures?

Psychologists define them as experiences that are brief, positive, emerge in everyday settings, and are accessible to most people at little or no cost. They are highly personal, meaning what is a simple pleasure for you may not be a pleasure for others at all.

For example: Taking a walk in the beach, having a cup of tea with a close friend, reading a book in a quiet porch, coming back to a clean, neatly organized home, or getting green lights all the way to work. 

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Little Pleasures and Your Happiness:

Can little pleasures actually make you happier?

Indeed, they can, according to Gretchen Rubin, author of the best-selling books Happier at Home and The Happiness Project. She said, “It’s not life changes like a new house or a fancy car that make the most impact, but sometimes little things like the smell of an orange, that give the biggest happiness boost.” She also added in there, “Over and over, people tell me something like cleaning out a medicine cabinet gives them a huge jolt of good cheer and energy.”

In many studies conducted by Psychologists, it was found that simple pleasures have the power to boost your mood, and restore feelings of positivity and happiness, giving you the energy and perspective you need to pursue the difficult and challenging but important things in your life.

I thought it would be fun to share some of my little pleasures that brighten my day and make me feel alive. Hopefully, this will inspire you to appreciate the little things in your life that can bring pleasure to you, and brighten your day as well when you are feeling low!

1. Morning tea or coffee
2. Enjoying the sunrise sitting in the porch
3. Seeing the face of my loved ones
4. Hugging someone I love
5. Walking in the early morning
6. Growing my own vegetable in our backyard
7. Cooking our favorite meal
8. Spending time with my family
9. Having a long conversation with a good friend
10. Reading a good book
11. Taking a long, relaxing shower
12. Watching my favorite TV show all by myself
13. Receiving an unexpected compliment
14. Living in a clean, clutter-free home
15. Taking a peaceful afternoon nap
16. Being kind to others
17. Bringing a smile to someone’s face
18. Visiting a loved one
19. Listening to the rain sitting by the window
20. Walking on the beach
21. Flowers received on my special days
22. Making future plans (especially travel plans) with my family
23. Having meals together
24. Cuddling my kids
25. Holding the hands of someone I love
26. Going for a long drive in the countryside
27. Enjoying breathtaking fall foliage
28. A bright sunny day in the winter
29. The first sign of spring
30. Enjoying an ocean view from a balcony
31. Watching my savings grow
32. Watching our debts shrink
33. Seeing our plants grow and bloom in our garden
34. Swinging on a swing in a beautiful park or under a big tree
35. Spending an evening in the local public library
36. Feeling the touch of a gentle, cool breeze
37. Enjoying a sunset in the mountains or on a beach
38. Watching my kids having a good time
39. Having a peaceful, quiet time after a stressful day
40. Sleeping in a freshly made bed
41. Eating special food cooked by Mom (Can’t enjoy that anymore since my mom passed away)
42. The feeling of accomplishment after finishing an important job
43. Daily prayers
44. Finding a lost thing back
45. Getting a good massage from my significant other
46. Getting wrapped snugly in blankets when it’s freezing cold
47. Lying in my bed after a long, exhausting day
48. Waking up late on weekends
49. Getting back in touch with a long-lost friend
50. Having a great neighbor
51. Unexpected good news

Now make a list of your own simple pleasures and enjoy!

Add to your reading list: Happier at Home and The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

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