In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the small moments that bring us joy.
I’ve found that sometimes, the most profound happiness comes from the simplest pleasures, the kind that warm your soul on a quiet day.
You know the feeling, right? That contentment that washes over you when you’re curled up with a good book or the warmth in your heart when you share a laugh with someone you love.
There are days I struggle and work hard to find and appreciate simple pleasure in my chaotic, busy life, but these are the times I need to savor the good times the most!
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top 90 simple pleasures in life. It’s a reminder for both you and me to get into the simple habit of finding our own happiness whenever possible.
Key Takeaways
- The most fulfilling experiences are often the simplest ones, easily overlooked but very valuable.
- Simple pleasures are the essence of daily contentment; they transform ordinary moments into treasures.
- Joy can be found in the smallest of actions, from a shared smile to the first sip of a morning coffee.
- Cultivating an awareness of life’s simple pleasures can enhance gratitude and overall well-being.
- Sharing these moments with loved ones can strengthen our relationships and multiply our happiness.
- By acknowledging and cherishing these small joys, we create peace and happiness to draw from in times of stress.
Simple Pleasures In Life
When I first got married, our lives were a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and endless tasks. Between juggling careers, personal goals, and family expectations, my husband and I barely saw each other.
Amidst the chaos, I learned how to find peace in quiet moments—like enjoying a morning cup of coffee in silence or watching the sunset after a busy day.
Learning to enjoy life’s simple pleasures has taught me the power of being present and cherishing life exactly as it is.
So now I want to share my list of small pleasures that have brought immense joy into my life, even when everything else seemed so overwhelming.
At Home
I’ve discovered that you don’t have to go far to find happiness; it often waits for us in the familiar nooks and corners of our living space.
Sometimes, the most comforting place in the world is our own home. It’s where we can truly relax, be ourselves, and enjoy the small moments that life offers.
Here’s a list of simple things I truly enjoy right at home:
- Baking from Scratch
- Planting Flowers
- Painting/Drawing/Arts & Craft Time
- Handwriting Letters
- Scrapbooking
- Reading by the Fireplace
- Watching Classic Movies
- Hosting Game Night
- A Hot Cup of Coffee
- Watching the Sun Rise
Whether it’s the softness of your favorite chair or the quiet moments before the rest of the house wakes up, these simple pleasures have the power to turn an ordinary day into something truly special.
In Your Relationship
In our relationships, beauty often lies in the moments that are easy to overlook when life gets hectic. But that’s the time that you need to slow down and truly enjoy each other and find ways to reconnect.
Here are the little things I love doing together with my husband:
- Cooking a Nice Meal
- Taking a Long Walk
- Sharing Inside Jokes
- Starting & Ending the Day Together
- Watching the Stars
- Hugging More Often
- Listening to Music
- Watching Funny Shows/Movies
- Going for a Drive
- Holding Hands
It’s not always about grand gestures or extravagant dates but the mindful, sincere actions that deepen our connections with one another. When life gets crazy, Mama, give one of these ideas a try!
With Your Kids
Spending time with my kids and being fully present brings me so much joy!
It’s in the giggles during a tickle fight, the sticky hands wrapped around my neck, and the endless “why’s” that test my patience but always warm my heart.
I’ve learned that the amount of time we spend together does not matter, but the quality of those moments.
So, with that in mind, here’s my list of simple pleasures that have made my days with my children unforgettable.
- Building a Blanket Fort
- Having a Backyard Picnic
- Starting a Pillow Fight
- Reading Stories at Bedtime
- Drawing & Coloring Together
- Going for a Bike Ride
- Watching Clouds and Finding Shapes
- Dancing to Our Favorite Music
- Blowing Bubbles
- Walking Barefoot in the Grass
These are the little things we do that fill our home with laughter and love.
From Self-Care
Taking care of ourselves should always be a priority, especially in the midst of our hectic lives.
We all need simple activities that give us a chance to pause, reflect, unwind, and take a moment solely for ourselves.
Here are ten simple self-care pleasures that I’ve found incredibly soothing and rejuvenating:
- Taking a Long, Warm Bubble Bath
- Sleeping in on Sunday Morning
- Writing in a Journal
- Listening to a Podcast or Audiobook
- Going to Bed in Clean, Fresh Sheets
- Lighting a Candle and Listening to Good Music on a Rainy Day
- Taking a Hot Shower
- Crossing Things Off My To-Do List
- Taking an Afternoon Nap
- Sitting in the Hot Tub
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for maintaining our health and happiness.
Our Favorite Foods
Sharing a home-cooked meal or trying out a new recipe with a loved one can be a source of simple pleasure and joy, something that reminds us of good times and brings warmth to our hearts.
I find small pleasures in every bite of these comfort foods:
- Pizza
- Dark Chocolate
- Ice Cream
- Pasta
- Burgers
- Sushi
- Fresh Bread
- Mac and Cheese
- Cheesecake
- French Fries
Food is one of those simple pleasures that can instantly make us feel good and bring people together. So go ahead and indulge in your favorite foods guilt-free!
The Best Drinks
Whether it’s the first sip in the morning or something to unwind with at the end of a long day, these drinks have a special place in our hearts:
- Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
- Iced Tea
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Craft Beer
- Red Wine
- Margarita
- Hot Chocolate
- Cider
- Sparkling Water
- Root Beer Float
Whether you’re reaching for a warm mug or a cool glass, take a moment to enjoy it fully!
In Nature
There’s something undeniably special about spending time in nature, where the simplest pleasures await at every turn.
These moments allow us to reconnect with the earth and find peace in the beauty that surrounds us.
Here’s a list of my favorite simple pleasures in nature:
- Feeling the Warmth of the Sun on My Face
- Listening to the Birds Singing
- Walking Barefoot on the Beach
- Watching the Sun Rise or Set
- Feeling the Wind Blow Through My Hair
- Smelling Fresh Rain on a Summer Night
- Taking a Deep Breath on a Cold Winter Morning
- Going on a Nature Hike
- Watching Leaves Change Color in the Fall
- Finding a Cool Shade Under a Big Tree
Each of these activities helps me slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the world’s natural beauty.
Hanging With Friends
When we’re with an old friend, the simplest things often hold the most joy. These moments of togetherness build memories that last a lifetime.
Here are ten simple pleasures I cherish when hanging out with my best friend:
- Looking Through Old Photos
- A Picnic at the Local Park
- Planning Dream “Friendcations”
- Laughing Until Our Sides Hurt
- A Good Workout
- Trying New Food
- Watching an Old Movie
- Going on a Road Trip
- Sharing Stories Around a Bonfire
- Sipping Coffee at Our Favorite Cafe
Hanging out with friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures, whether it’s through laughter, shared dreams, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
From Inexpensive Buys
Finding joy in the little things doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Countless inexpensive buys can bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts.
Here are ten simple pleasures I love to treat myself to:
- Fresh Flowers
- A New Notebook
- Scented Candles
- A Bar of Artisan Soap
- A Pack of Herbal Teas
- Colorful Socks
- Quality Chocolate
- A New Book
- Good Pens
- A Journal
These small purchases can be sources of happiness, self-expression, and comfort, reminding us that it’s the simple things in life that matter the most.
FAQs
Why do people say to focus on simple pleasures in life?
People say to cherish life’s simple joys because they keep us sane amid chaos. They can make us feel happiness without taking much effort or time.
The best part? They’re usually free, and we don’t have to go out of our way to find simple pleasures.
These joys are free but bring us closer to what matters—joy and laughter with our families. It’s about making room for happiness and leading to a content life.
What do people think are the main 3 pleasures in life?
While each of us finds joy in different daily things, many simple pleasures unite us—the taste of a home-cooked meal, the warmth of a loving hug, or taking a quiet moment to relax.
Let’s not overlook those tiny moments that touch our hearts—the surprise of an unexpected kiss, the excitement of getting a message from someone special, or that quiet “I love you” before bedtime.
These moments add smiles and contentment to our days, reminding us to cherish the lives we lead.
What pleasures can I think about to get me through hard times?
In tough times, Mama, remember that joy in the little things can bring comfort and hope.
Thinking about your favorite memories with your kids, your partner, and other friends and family can carry us through hard times.
Planning to make more good memories can encourage and motivate us when we feel like we’ve hit our lows.
If you’re facing hard times, hold onto these moments of joy and togetherness, as they can light up the darkest days.
My Thoughts
We all face stress, sadness, and frustration in our lives, and we need to work hard to find our own peace of mind. I hope you can see why simple pleasures could do you a lot of good right now!
Each little joy—a quiet morning coffee, a laugh shared with a friend, or the familiarity of a good book—adds up to create a life full of happiness and contentment.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to appreciate the little things around you.
Now, it’s your turn! What are some simple pleasures that bring joy to your everyday life? Share them with us in the comments below.
