92 simple pleasures to upgrade your happiness
written by Jasmine Irven
I love to advocate for slow living. Simply put, this concept is,
“a cultural revolution against the notion that faster is always better. The Slow philosophy is not about doing everything at a snail’s pace. It’s about seeking to do everything at the right speed. Savouring the hours and minutes rather than just counting them. Doing everything as well as possible, instead of as fast as possible.”
— Carl Honore, In Praise of Slow
Put into practise, this means taking the time to appreciate small, mundane moments that you maybe before would have taken for granted, it means being conscious of where you’re spending your time, rather than letting my life pass you by, it means evaluating personally what is important to you, what you want your energy to be used for, and it means finding happiness in simple pleasures.
We’ve curated a list of 92 ideas for simple pleasures you can use to upgrade your happiness. These are not big things, rather they are moments often overlooked, but with a little mindfulness and intention, they can drastically transform your daily life.
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”
— Brene Brown
simple pleasures
Sipping a warm drink
Going on a walk
Cleaning out your inbox
Cleaning a room in your place
Cooking a meal
Creating
Colouring
Listening to music
Listening to a podcast
Sitting in the sun
Taking a few deep breaths
Stretching
Cuddling with a loved one
Sleeping in
Waking up early
Going to bed late
Watching the sunrise
Watching the sunset
Opening the windows
Going for a drive
Going to a new cafe
Watching a movie
Reading a book
Connecting with someone new
Talking on the phone
Sending a letter
Journaling
Taking a shower
Soaking in a bath
Walking on the beach
Hugging someone dearly
A glass of wine
Dark chocolate
Indulging in something sweet
Being lazy
Making someone smile
Saving money
A gentle breeze
Checking something off your to-do list
Playing a board game
Watching an old movie
Going rollerblading
Scheduling a day with nothing to do
Going out to dinner
Watching TV
Wine tasting
Lighting scented candles
Lighting incense
Brushing your teeth
Washing your face
Having a spa day
Playing cards
Going camping
Enjoying a nice view
Spending time alone
Exercising
Writing a positive review
Massaging cream into your skin
Opening the curtains/ blinds
Fantasizing about your future
Intention setting
Goal setting
Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket
Watching animals in nature
Singing
Playing an instrument
Learning something new
Decluttering
Smiling at someone
Asking someone how their day was
Caring for a plant
Meditating
Donating blood
Disconnecting
Savouring a piece of fresh fruit
People watching
Shaving
Making a to-do list
Making your bed with fresh sheets
Cleaning your closet
Going window shopping
Watching funny videos
Getting ready at a leisurely pace
Doing a nagging task
Going on a date
Watching the ocean or river
Daydreaming
Planting a garden
Taking a trip
Taking a stay-cation
Taking a day off work
Watching a favourite show
implementation
Take stock: which of these brings you happiness? Where do you enjoy spending your energy? Which of these isn’t that enjoyable in the moment, but afterwards you feel so good about doing it?
Make a couple of lists, and really get clear on what this looks like for you. There is no right or wrong, no judgement, no criticism. Connect with your inner self and really choose things that have great meaning to you.
Then, take a look at how you can bring even more of these simple pleasures into your daily life!
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about the author
Hey there! I’m Jasmine, founder of the Sustainable Bliss Collective, a Certified Meditation Teacher, and lover of all things self-care, slow-living, and personal development.
I believe that ambition and self-care can coexist, and as such I hope to encourage and inspire you to take care of yourself, breathe deeply, connect with who you are, manifest your dreams, enjoy the blissful moments of each day, and make an impact in this beautiful world we call home.
Connect with me on Instagram here!