Simple pleasures in life are just that. Seemingly mundane things that, when appreciated at a second glance, can become a pleasurable source of joy in anyone’s life. It could be something as simple as walking every morning to your favorite coffee shop or waving hi to your neighbor before they head out to work. These small parts of your day are very easy to overlook and take for granted but if you just take a moment to look up and take a breath every once in a while, it can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.

Take for example sitting down to your favorite home-cooked meal for dinner, and taking your time to savor every detail of what makes that special. When you process these moments with a newfound sense of appreciation, you can add a lot more joy to your life. With that in mind, here is a list of 100 simple pleasures that remind you to take a step back and appreciate the small things.

Enjoy the Day From Morning to Evening

Activities in our everyday lives are often overwhelming and overstimulating. Once you add social media, the problem becomes exacerbated. Most people online only post their best and most enviable moments. This can cause a person to feel inadequate and left behind. Luckily, this list is here to remind you that there is beauty in everyone’s life and the good moments make all the hard parts worth it.

Watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
Take a leisurely walk in nature.
Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Read a good book.
Listen to your favorite music.
Hug a loved one.
Snuggle under a cozy blanket.
Gaze at the stars on a clear night.
Take a relaxing bath.
Taste your favorite comfort food.

Cherish the Moment With Loved Ones

One of the best ways to spend time with the ones you love is by sharing a meal. Fuel your heart while you fuel your stomach. Try going out to eat some soul food at a Black-owned restaurant. Or, enjoy your favorite home-cooked meal that has been passed down through the family. Enjoy the culture and tradition in food and nourishing your body. There is nothing like bringing people together over a meal at one table.

Laugh with friends or family.
Watch a crackling fire in a fireplace.
Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Stargaze and making a wish on a shooting star.
Pet a friendly animal.
Pick and arrange fresh flowers.
Savor a piece of chocolate or your favorite treat
Unplug from screens for a while.
Watch a loved one succeed or accomplish something.
Feel the cool breeze on a hot day.

Take Time To Spend With Yourself

Try turning tasks that feel like chores into a form of self-care. For example, treat yourself to a relaxing, spa-like experience for your next wash day. Yes, wash days can feel like a burden as they can be demanding and time-consuming. But that is only if you look at it that way. Think of washing and styling your hair as pampering yourself and preserving your crown.

Write in a journal.
Go for a leisurely drive.
Taste something you cooked or baked yourself.
Have a picnic in the park.
Receive a handwritten letter or card.
Watch children play and laugh.
Find a quiet moment to meditate or practice mindfulness.
Complete a small DIY project.
See a rainbow after the rain.
Be in the presence of art or beautiful architecture.

Go Outside and Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of Nature

Being outside and becoming one with nature is a simple way to feel peace. Try inviting friends and family out some time to enjoy it with you. You can host a simple cookout followed by a game of cards or other outside activities; you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful company while enjoying the beautiful weather. Try it and see how much joy it brings.

Feel the sand between your toes at the beach.
Have a heartfelt conversation with a friend.
Take a nap on a rainy day.
Smell freshly baked bread or pastries.
Find money you forgot about in your pocket.
Watch a loved one accomplish a goal.
Listen to the sound of rain.
Enjoy a lazy, rainy day indoors.
Run through a sprinkler on a hot day.
Take a first bite of a delicious meal.
Complete a jigsaw puzzle.
Have a good hair day.
People watch in a busy public place.
Browse through old photo albums.
Find a new, enjoyable hobby.
Receiving a compliment from a stranger.
Sip a cold drink on a hot day.
Take a whiff of freshly cut grass.
Build a sandcastle at the beach.
Discover a new, beautiful spot in your city.

See the Good Things People Do in the World

Those random acts of kindness can do wonders for the soul. It doesn’t matter if you are the one receiving it, doing it, or witnessing it. The generosity of fellow humans is always a powerful, yet simple reminder that there is hope in the world.

Witness a random act of kindness.
Snuggle up in fresh, clean sheets.
See a double rainbow.
Discover a beautiful view from a hill or overlook.
Take a leisurely bike ride through the park.
Watch a classic 90’s movie or sitcom.
Discover a new favorite song.
Find a lucky charm or token.
Hear the birds sing in the morning.
Savor a piece of ripe, juicy fruit.
Watch a gentle snowfall.
Make and enjoy a cozy fort in your living room.
Pop a bubble wrap.
Sip a warm bowl of soup on a cold day.
Feel the cool grass beneath your feet.

Turn Up the Volume

Turn on your favorite tune and crank up the volume to immerse yourself in the music. Try putting on some old-school hits you grew up listening to in the car to improve a boring drive. Or turn up the gospel music on a Sunday morning for some praise and worship wherever you are. Music can be a healing way to black out the noise of everyday life no matter what you choose to listen to.

Write with a fresh, new pen.
Watch a loved one open a thoughtful gift.
Listen to the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet in the fall.
Take a day trip to explore a nearby town.
Get lost in a good daydream.
Hear the sound of waves at the seashore.
Find a perfectly ripe avocado.
Watch a live performance or show.
Take a spontaneous road trip.
Be the first to make footprints in fresh snow.
Enjoy a slice of homemade pie.
Dance like no one is watching.
Solve a challenging riddle.
Have a technology-free day.
Blow bubbles and watch them float away.
Discover a new book that captivates you.
Make a child laugh.
Pick out constellations in the night sky.
Walk through a colorful flower garden.
Find a bargain while shopping.

Dress Comfortably and Relax

There is no better feeling than sliding into those leggings, joggers, or sweatpants. Being able to lounge around the house might be just the sort of self-care you need in your life right now. As you relax in that oversized sweatshirt and leggings on the couch, make sure to take a moment and breathe deeply, because life is good.

Wear your favorite, most comfortable clothes.
Jump in a pile of leaves.
Have a meaningful conversation with a stranger.
Take a deep, satisfying breath of fresh air.
Find a hidden gem at a thrift store.
Catch up with your favorite cousin.
Play with a baby or a toddler.
Find a forgotten treasure in your attic or basement.
Smell the aroma of fresh laundry.
Watch the clouds drift by.
Feel the wind in your hair during a bike ride.
Savor a warm, freshly baked cookie.
Discover a hidden, peaceful nook in a crowded place.
Watch a family of ducks or geese swimming in a pond.
Admire a beautifully decorated holiday tree.

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