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125 Simple Life Pleasures to Sprinkle Joy in Your Day

flowers are one of simple life pleasures

Small Joys That Light Up Your Life

My father-in-law passed away recently, and we experienced a hard stretch at home. The days felt more like a slog than an opportunity to experience life. And so, I found myself making a list of simple life pleasures. I hoped that if I incorporated more joy into my day, things would feel easier.

Have you ever felt this too?

What can we be grateful for when life hits a low? Or even on our most ordinary day?

simple pleasures in life pin

Simple Pleasures Meaning

First, what is a simple pleasure? It’s when you gain peace, satisfaction, or happiness from a small element in your life. Usually, simple pleasures come from everyday items or occurrences that we overlook when we’re not truly present.

What are examples of simple life pleasures?

The following is my list of simple pleasures, along with other amazing ideas to consider. Many don’t cost much and are already in front of us!

But notice that my list may not be the same for you. How would yours look different? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

125 of the Best Pleasures in Life

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”

Paulo Coelho

Joys Found With People

people smiling as simple joys in life

First, it’s the people we love that bring us the most happiness. Do you find joy in these things too?

1. Toddler giggles – the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard.

2. A long insightful talk with a good friend

3. Hi-fiving someone in celebration

4. Walks with someone you love

5. A good bear hug

6. Getting lost in a tickle fight

7. Receiving an unexpected compliment

8. Snuggling in bed with a loved one

9. Catching your child being kind

10. When you get someone to smile (through a compliment, smile, joke, etc.)

11. The contagious excitement of kids opening gifts

12. Holding hands

13. Giving a child a special “love you” squeeze

14. Cuddling with a pet (dog kisses, cat purrs, etc.)

15. When a baby smiles up at you

16. Telling kids a story about your childhood

17. Your mom’s voice when you need someone to listen

18. Lending a hand when someone needs it

19. Seeing old photos of your family and friends

20. Remembering a favorite childhood memory

21. A pillow fight

22. Bumping into someone you haven’t seen in awhile

23. Uninterrupted time with your partner

24. Knowing a happy secret of someone

25. Toasting to family or friends

26. When your loved one says “I love you” out of the blue

Pleasures Directly From Nature

simple life pleasures found in nature, woman with flowers

These are often taken for granted, but they bring a smile of wonder to your face every time.

27. Stargazing out in nature

28. Seeing a colorful sunrise

29. Watching the setting sun

30. Listening to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof

31. Hearing a noisy spring thunderstorm while you’re cozy inside

32. Eating outside over a blanket on green grass

33. Staring at a full moon

34. Taking a nap in the warm sun

35. Touching a very old tree

36. The smell after it rains

37. The sounds of a stream after a good rain

38. The smell of the ocean

39. The first snow storm of winter when you’re cuddled warm inside

40. The first tree buds and blossoms of spring

41. The smell of fresh cut grass (and feel of it under your feet)

42. The beautiful colors of the trees at just the right time in the fall

43. Spotting a rainbow (and watching kids’ faces when they see it too)

44. Driving with your windows down and the breeze in your face

45. Stepping on a pile of crunchy leaves

46. Big fluffy clouds

47. A fresh untouched layer of snow

48. Watching the beauty of wildlife animals in their element

49. The first tulips that bloom every spring

50. The chipper birds outside your window, telling you the day has arrived

Related Post: Simple Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life

Dr. Danielle Kelvas, physician and mental health expert says, “We need adequate sunlight exposure to utilize vitamin D in our bodies. Spend as much time outside as possible. Open the windows. Take your shoes off and walk barefoot whenever possible. This reduces the charge that builds up in our bodies and is clinically proven to reduce inflammation.”

Self Care & Personal Growth Pleasures

joys in life come from self-care, pictures of battub

It feels good to take care of ourselves in a loving way, and these simple things push that special joy button.

51. A soothing bath or shower

52. Listening to your favorite music over and over

53. Accomplishing a goal that matters to you

54. Doing something nice for someone you love

55. A good shoulder massage (see these fun self-love and self-care challenges for more of these types of actions)

56. Reading an all-consuming novel or action adventure

57. Traveling to a new place

58. Long walks in nature reflecting on life

59. Feeling truly grateful (see here for easy ideas, free journal prompts, and gratitude quotes)

60. A good, hearty belly laugh

61. Getting a pedicure

62. How you feel after meditating

63. When you feel you look good (that outfit fits just right, your hair lays the right way, etc.)

64. A day where you don’t have to be anywhere

65. The way you feel after a workout that pushed you

66. Making a bucket list

67. Seeing a movie or reading a book that shifts your thinking

68. Listening to a song that resonates with you

69. Eating by candlelight

70. Sleeping in with no alarm to wake you

71. An afternoon nap just because

72. Taking a shower after you’ve been really dirty.

73. Dancing as if no one is watching

74. A crossed off to-do list

75. Letting go of something that has been bugging you for too long

Need a little self-care help? Sign up for these 50 ideas and a checklist to make your wellness more of a priority!

*See also, ideas for a soothing self-care routine and 87 self-care quotes for more loving motivation>>

Food That Brings Joy

kids making pizza, it's the little things

Next, food has always been about more than survival. Food bonds people together, takes us back to childhood memories, and celebrates life milestones. These foods add a spark of pleasure to any day I’m living.

76. Homemade buttered popcorn on the stove

77. A quality piece of chocolate

78. The smell of coffee in the kitchen

79. That first sip of your favorite coffee

80. The smell of a slow cooker meal cooking that fills your home

81. Watermelon on a hot day (or any day)

82. Sipping champagne

83. Fresh vegetables straight from your garden

84. Indulging in your favorite meal

85. Enjoying that bakery treat you’ve been lusting after

86. Mom’s chicken enchiladas. The food that brings childhood back.

87. Chocolate cream pie

88. Juicy summer tomatoes (that make the BEST BLTs)

89. Cookie dough (or the smell of fresh-baked cookies if any makes it)

90. Hot chocolate on a snowy day

91. Biting into a ripe, juicy berry

92. A slow-paced weekend brunch

93. Wine

94. The smell of fresh baked bread

95. When your new healthy recipe turns out to be a keeper with your family

96. A truly authentic meal from another culture

97. Friday night pizza and a movie

98. A hot steaming pot of chili on a cold day

99. Hershey’s peanut butter cups

100. A ballpark hot dog

Simple Home Goodness

home sweet home

And finally, home is where the heart is. And we should find many simple life pleasures where we spend so much of our time.

101. A clean house (with kids, anytime it’s clean is a pleasure!)

102. A gentle cool breeze through your window

103. Fresh clean sheets

104. Burning your favorite candle

105. Staring at a cozy fire in the fireplace

106. Noticing your bright fresh flowers on the counter

107. Enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck or patio

108. A new, untouched notebook or planner

109. Coming back to a clean house after a long trip

110. Finding money in your jacket pocket you forgot about

111. Relaxing on a porch swing

112. A piece of art or decor in your home that moves you

113. Your favorite cozy chair

114. An empty dishwasher

115. An organized desk

116. Getting into your warm bed after a long day

117. A freshly painted room (that feeling of newness with a simple color change)

118. Noticing your child’s drawing on the fridge

119. When a card comes in the mail

120. That fan that creates just the right amount of breeze and white noise

121. A newly cleaned shower

122. Close neighbors that you can count on for anything

123. The big comfy throw blankets to huddle under on a cold day

124. The photos of people you love lining the walls

125. Your favorite mug

Did Focusing on Simple Pleasures Work?

It sure did! Not only did it remind me of what I’m most grateful for, but it showed me how much beauty I take for granted every day. And frankly, it helped us lighten up after such a heavy period.

best list of life's simple pleasures examples

To Consider With Simple Joys

Finally, I read Matthew McConauhey’s book Greenlights recently, and at the end, he explains his desire to make his life “his favorite movie.” What an interesting idea! We can all achieve this if we stop to notice the simple miracles around us.

So, where can you sprinkle these simple pleasures into your day? Could you add them to your morning routine? Maybe at night?

“It is of the small joys and little pleasures that the greatest of our days are built.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

And what are your favorite simple pleasures in life? Do you have different joys?

More self-care posts & resources you’ll love…

The Greatest Little Pleasures in Life

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