Finding the simple joys of life doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, if you are intentional about bringing small actions into your day-to-day activities, you will be surprised at how easy it can be.
Like any habit, finding the simple joys of life means you have to intentionally look for opportunities to implement it. Walking past a garden, for example, means you might need to stop and smell the roses (literally).
As I get older, I find that I am appreciating the joys of life more. It seems more precious…I want to take advantage of everything out there.
Which is one of the reasons I am so excited about obtaining financial freedom – more opportunities to enjoy life and appreciate these simple joys. Also, learning how to live a simple life helps you to appreciate these things.
The Simple Joys of Life
I created a list of over 50 simple joys of life to help inspire you to intentionally find joy in everything that you do.
Running on a beautiful fall day
I love going for a nice run on a fall day. The weather is perfect and the wind provides a nice breeze to help me stay cool.
Reading a book
I truly believe that one of the best joys in life is to read a book. Find the time to read every single day and you will be happier for it. I carry my kindle with me almost everywhere I go so that I am always ready to grab a quick chapter.
If you’re ultra motivated, read some of these top books about budgeting.
Singing in the shower
The shower is the best place to really let out your emotions and let your voice soar! Turn on your shower radio and get singing.
Going on a road trip with your favorite people
A road trip is the perfect way to create new memories and have fun with people that you love.
But on the same note, I personally LOVE going on a road trip alone. There is something serene and peaceful about it.
Choosing to eat nutritious food to fuel your body well
Properly fueling your body is one of the simple joys in life that will never go away. I always feel so good after a week of eating healthy.
Having warm, dry towels after a great shower
You know those showers that really take your time? The kind where you pull out every skin exfoliator, fancy lotion, and whatever else you have.
This is a simple joy in itself, but having warm, dry towels when you get out- now THAT is luxury. Try this towel heater to ensure your towels are nice and warm.
You may try these frugal ideas for a DIY spa day.
Feeling the rain on your bare skin
Where I live, there are warm, cozy rains a few times a year. I love to get outside and feel the rain drops on my bare skin. We run outside in tank tops and embrace it!
Listening to the waves crash on the shore
If you are lucky to live near the ocean, then you are lucky enough. To be able to listen to the waves crash upon the shore… now that is amazing.
Crawling into a bed with clean sheets after shaving your legs and moisturizing
One of my most favorite feelings in the entire world! If you aren’t sure what I am talking about, please try it and thank me later.
Laughing until you almost cry
Everyone needs a good belly cry once in a while. Really, nothing feels better.
Making a bucket list
Sitting down and writing a bucket list is so fun! I love dreaming up different ideas for the next season of our life.
Chat with your partner about it too – make your dreams together!
Having a pet or child sleep on your lap
That sleepy cuddle is just the best! I used to love it when my cat slept on my lap.
Preparing a complex yet delicious meal and then eating it with loved ones.
I love a really good meal and sharing it with people I care for, but what can I say- I also really love the praise.
Earning your Own Money with a Side Hustle
There are fewer joys in life than earning a little bit of extra money. Pay off a credit card, book a trip to Hawaii… whatever you want!
Watching a new episode of your favorite show
When your favorite show is finally available to watch after weeks (or sometimes years) of anticipation… what could be better?
Seeing your dog after a long day at work
Nobody will ever be as excited as when you get home as your dog is.
Playing in the sprinkler with your kids on a really hot day
When it’s too hot to deal, pull out the sprinkler and get ready to jump around with your kids. It’s great exercise, can cool you down, and it can be a lot of fun.
Eating your favorite meal and savoring each bite
I find that this is best done if your kids are at their grandparents’ house. Make sure to get some awesome recipes at Went Here 8 This.
Pulling together the couches and making a bed.
A good couch nap- now THAT is a simple joy in life!
Eating fresh, ripe, sun-warmed fruit.
If you can head out to a farm and pick it yourself- there is nothing better (unless you have your own trees like we do – that’s the best!)
Building a bonfire
Bonfires are the perfect activity to cook, relax, and connect with your loved ones. Building a fire in a fireplace can give you similar results, especially during the holidays.
Picking flowers or heading to a local farmers market to get a fresh bouquet
Fresh flowers sitting in a vase in your house can bring such a peaceful feeling. Plus the smell is incredible!
Having a warm bath.
Grab some Epsom salt and a good book and get ready for the most relaxing time of your life!
Putting on clothes straight from the dryer when they are soft and warm
I LOVE doing this in the winter. Put clothes in the dryer even if you’re not doing laundry to get the same feeling.
Making a five-year goal list.
I love to do this with my partner so we can dream together.
Listening to your favorite song from when you were a teenager
Take me back!
Eating breakfast in bed
Also acceptable: drinking coffee in bed, eating dessert in bed or having a piece of candy or two while watching your favorite trashy TV show.
Having a hot shower after a run in the rain
After a run, you have sweated off so many toxins that a good shower just feels incredible. This is one of my FAVs.
Telling your partner you love them
Look at their face when you say it, you’ll be able to tell how wonderful it made them feel!
Walking barefoot on the sand.
The beach is one of my favorite simple joys of life, especially that feeling of warm sand on your toes.
Smelling the roses (literally)
If you’ve ever been to a rose garden, it smells just incredible. Check out your local garden.
Staying in bed all day
Having a day dedicated to rest can be one of the best ways to relax- so why not do it in your favorite place?
Watching the sunset
Pack a picnic and go watch the sky turn every color imaginable.
Sharing your best memories with your loved ones
That connection is irreplaceable. It can be so fun to share memories of your past.
Searching for shells on the beach and taking one home as a reminder
There is something about finding seashells on the beach that is just so relaxing and serene.
Playing cards all night.
My favorite card game? Spades. A little healthy competition during card playing is a blast.
Smelling sun-dried sheets
If the weather is warm enough, laying out your sheets to dry in the sun on a clothesline is one of those things that can bring on the best simple joy.
Dancing through the house.
I like to make a new dance playlist on my Amazon Music account once a month so that I am always ready for a spontaneous dance party.
Walking the dog
If you can, find the time to walk your dog in new places so that you can both explore. Be intentional about noticing the little things, like flowers blooming or your neighbor’s silly lawn ornaments.
You can even make money walking dogs as a side gig and get a little piece of serenity every day while you make some cash.
Decluttering a drawer.
I know, cleaning a drawer doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, but the mental space and the peace that comes along with a clean drawer is one of the best things. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Eating lunch outside
Whenever I can (and its warm enough!), I will eat my lunch outside. It breaks up the day and helps me get some fresh air. This is one of the best simple joys in life, in my opinion.
Gardening on a warm day with a gentle breeze
There is something about getting your hands dirty and connecting with the planet that makes gardening a perfect hobby.
Having your hair washed
Honestly, one of the main reasons I get my haircut is for that wonderful hair washing. Having a nice scalp massage while at it is just icing on the cake.
Enjoying the smell from the slow cooker when you walk into the house after a hard day at work
Talk about a simple joy in life! Knowing that dinner is prepared- and that it is delicious- is one of my favorite feelings.
Walking through fallen leaves, feeling them crunch beneath your feet
You loved it as a kid- why not now? You may even want to take a dive into them to really bring you back to your childhood.
Seeing the first blossom on the trees after a long, cold winter
The first flower bloom in early spring is my favorite! It’s the first promise that the earth will be warming up and that winter is finally over.
Feeling the breeze in your hair
Next time you are outside, take a moment to sit back and enjoy the breeze. It just feels amazing!
Making popcorn in a pot and then tipping warm melted butter over it
Not going to lie- just typing this made me want to go pop some right now! Homemade popcorn is one of my favorite treats.
Wrapping yourself in a soft blanket
Do you have a favorite blanket? If not, you should! The simple joy of wrapping yourself up in a soft, cozy blanket is one of the best feelings.
Singing in the car even when you don’t know all the words
It is so freeing to sit back and let your voice be heard! Take a drive and let the world know your talent.
Making a fort from blankets
No matter how old your kids are, making a fort with blankets is a fun, engaging way to spend the afternoon.
Holding hands with a loved one
Did you know that holding hands actually helps your brain release serotonin? Our bodies actually crave that physical connection, making this the perfect simple joy to add to your list.
Calling your parents just to hear how their day was
Yes- always connect with your parents! This is the perfect way to create joy in your life as well as theirs. I call my mom at least once a week and love chatting with her.
Practicing meditation
There are countless reasons to try meditation, one of the best reasons is that it clears your mind of stress and makes room for peace.
Receiving a foot massage
When you get a foot massage, a lot of tension is released. This will help your body relax and your mind feel at peace.
Ask your partner to start rubbing next time you are watching your favorite show and see how much joy you feel afterwards. Or get a foot massager.
Smelling your favorite perfume
Our brains are programmed to connect scent to specific memories. If you have a perfume that your grandmother wore, pull it out from time to time to help you remember the wonderful memories that you had with her.
Swinging on a swing like you did as a child
Sometimes sitting back on a swing and feeling the wind in our hair is all we need to put a smile on our face.
Breathing in the sweet scent of your child
While I don’t have kids, I understand that cuddling with your child and smelling their sweet scent is one of the great joys of the world.
Tasting the first sip of coffee in the morning
Ah yes- of course! Enjoying a delicious taste of coffee to get your mind working is one of the best feelings in the world.
Waking up in time to see the sunrise.
If you are lucky enough to live in a place where you can watch it, I highly recommend making the time to get up early enough to see it a few times a year. I do this every morning.
Also, as a side note, these minimalism quotes can help you get motivated to live a more simple life.
In Summary
There are countless ways to help bring more simple joys of life into your day-to-day activities. This list is just a few ways to bring more peace into your life.
From stopping to smell the roses to swinging on a swing, there are so many ways to help you relax and find more joy in your life.
So tell me… what did I miss? What are some of your favorite simple joys of life? Comment below!
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