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 

  1. Sipping a warm drink 

  2. Going on a walk

  3. Cleaning out your inbox 

  4. Cleaning a room in your place

  5. Cooking a meal 

  6. Creating 

  7. Colouring 

  8. Listening to music

  9. Listening to a podcast

  10. Sitting in the sun 

  11. Taking a few deep breaths 

  12. Stretching 

  13. Cuddling with a loved one 

  14. Sleeping in

  15. Waking up early 

  16. Going to bed late 

  17. Watching the sunrise

  18. Watching the sunset 

  19. Opening the windows 

  20. Going for a drive 

  21. Going to a new cafe

  22. Watching a movie 

  23. Reading a book 

  24. Connecting with someone new

  25. Talking on the phone 

  26. Sending a letter

  27. Journaling 

  28. Taking a shower 

  29. Soaking in a bath 

  30. Walking on the beach 

  31. Hugging someone dearly 

  32. A glass of wine 

  33. Dark chocolate 

  34. Indulging in something sweet 

  35. Being lazy 

  36. Making someone smile 

  37. Saving money 

  38. A gentle breeze 

  39. Checking something off your to-do list

  40. Playing a board game

  41. Watching an old movie

  42. Going rollerblading

  43. Scheduling a day with nothing to do

  44. Going out to dinner 

  45. Watching TV 

  46. Wine tasting 

  47. Lighting scented candles 

  48. Lighting incense 

  49. Brushing your teeth

  50. Washing your face 

  51. Having a spa day

  52. Playing cards

  53. Going camping 

  54. Enjoying a nice view 

  55. Spending time alone 

  56. Exercising 

  57. Writing a positive review 

  58. Massaging cream into your skin

  59. Opening the curtains/ blinds 

  60. Fantasizing about your future 

  61. Intention setting 

  62. Goal setting 

  63. Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket 

  64. Watching animals in nature 

  65. Singing

  66. Playing an instrument 

  67. Learning something new 

  68. Decluttering 

  69. Smiling at someone 

  70. Asking someone how their day was 

  71. Caring for a plant 

  72. Meditating 

  73. Donating blood 

  74. Disconnecting 

  75. Savouring a piece of fresh fruit 

  76. People watching 

  77. Shaving 

  78. Making a to-do list 

  79. Making your bed with fresh sheets 

  80. Cleaning your closet 

  81. Going window shopping 

  82. Watching funny videos 

  83. Getting ready at a leisurely pace 

  84. Doing a nagging task 

  85. Going on a date 

  86. Watching the ocean or river 

  87. Daydreaming 

  88. Planting a garden 

  89. Taking a trip

  90. Taking a stay-cation 

  91. Taking a day off work 

  92. Watching a favourite show 

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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!


Sustainable Bliss Collective endorses products & brands we genuinely love and support. If you end up making a purchase through one of our affiliate links, it will not cost you anything but we may earn a commission. Learn more here.


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about the author


2020-08Jasmine-71.jpg

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!

Jasmine Irven

I help women reduce stress and inflammation through simple, plant-based nutrition, cleansing meditation sessions, and resources to connect mind, body, and soul.

http://jasmineirven.com/
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