As a quote from Benjamin Franklin says, “Happiness consists more in daily comforts or pleasures than in great pieces of luck that happen to a man over the course of his life.” Ensuring that you enjoy life’s small comforts or pleasures is one of the best ways to find happiness on a daily basis.
You don’t have to wait for huge milestones to make you happy, as only those occur once in a lifetime.
Let’s take a look at the importance of the little things and offer some inexpensive ideas of leisurely pursuits you can enjoy.
Why do the simple pleasures of life matter?
Happiness and fulfillment are extremely important for a lot of things.
There’s no downside to taking time to enjoy simple life pleasures. Let’s move on to the list of ideas!
39 of the simple pleasures in life to enjoy right now
Want to start making time for more things that bring you joy in life? Here are 39 ideas to get you started!
1. Listening to music
Music is something this civilization can unite everyone over, regardless of where we are from or the genres we like. It can make we want to dance, sing along, tug on our heartstrings, or inspire us.
It also contains many health benefits. For example, listening to music can lift mood, relieve stress, and improve depression.
You can enjoy a large number of music streaming services, including iHeartRadio, Jango, Spotify, Pandora’s free service, YouTube music, and countless others, for free! Try these, too.
2. Reading a good book
One of life’s great pleasures is curling up with a great book in any kind of weather. On a sunny day, it could be in a hammock; during a rainstorm, perhaps with a blanket.
Also, if you tend to collect a lot of books, you can finish your collection by catching up on those you have been intending to examine.
I also enjoy getting books from the library for free. These books are returned after use and save space because there is no need to lug around dead trees. Alternatively, I can download free e-books on electronic devices, such as Kindle or an app.
3. Watching the sunrise or sunset – One of the most mesmerizing simple pleasures in life
Some of the best simple pleasures in nature can be enjoyed at dawn or at sunset. Whether one likes to observe the soft pastels of sunrise or the fiery colors of sunset, the sky is full of simple joys for everyone.
Take pictures and videos every time you go out so that you might compile a sky montage each year, season, or month. Picturess are a terrific way to store memorable memories because you can enjoy the best times at any time you want!
4. Going for a nature walk or hike
Along the same lines, did you know that studies show that there is a significant link between happiness and time spent in nature? And it’s also well-established that exercise improves our moods, so nature walks or hikes give you the best of both worlds!
Check out TrailLink to look for options for any skill level!
5. Watching flowers bloom in spring
Everyone is telling you to stop and smell the flowers, they say. Stroll around during the spring season and seek out as many different types of flowers as possible.
Admire the minutiae and invigorating aromas of the spring season. You could also plant your own garden to enjoy daily!
6. Spending time with loved ones – A treasured simple pleasure
Sometimes, all you need is a great day to be surrounded by good people. Plan to do something nice and enjoyable with your friends and family, so you can all make memories that will last a lifetime.
Have them select some of their favorite activities so that you can determine what they like.
7. Foraging for berries or mushrooms
Foraging is a primitive pastime that goes back all the way to the beginning of civilization-exploring forests and gathering natural resources.
If you’re careful about choosing which plants you eat, learning to identify and forage for edible plants is a fun and free activity. Join a group to learn how to forage safely.
8. Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that emphasizes our senses. It’s about slowing down, noticing the sensations of one’s own breath, focusing on the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings you encounter.
It’s a wonderful way to become more in touch with yourself and to enjoy life more fully.
That being said, we should all focus on cultivating our self-discipline.
9. The satisfaction of finishing a workout
Pushing through a difficult workout can be difficult in the moment, but you cannot beat the feeling of happiness and endorphins when you’re done.
The hardest part of a workout routine is getting started, so find ways to exercise that don’t feel like a chore. Maybe your type is a dance-based workout like Zumba, swimming for cardio, or the Couch to 5K running plan.
10. Catching up with an old friend
Friendships can go through lulls, but even if you’ve been out of touch for years, one of the most satisfying things in life is reconnecting as though you hadn’t seen each other in years.
So, reach out and share a memory to reconnect! Valuable friendships require effort since they can have a major impact on our lives down to our finances.
11. Getting a great night of sleep – A healthy simple pleasure
Sometimes when you wake up, it can feel like you just slept for a brief time. Getting an excellent night’s sleep, in which you feel refreshed and well-rested, is one of the absolute best ways to improve your health.
Follow the Centers for Disease Control’s “sleep hygiene” recommendations, like keeping electronics out of the bedroom at night and going to bed at a consistent time every night.
12. Making a bucket list
Daydreaming about the future is a great way to pass time because it helps you imagine your goals.
List the things you wish for in life and begin making plans to attain them!
So where are some places you want to travel to? What are some adventures you’d like to try?
Do you want to write a book or make music? Let your imagination run wild.
13. Driving with your windows down – One of the most refreshing simple pleasures
On a warm summer day with the windows down and your favorite music playing, you feel as though you are living as you wish to.
Gas prices and “wear and tear” on your vehicle mean that this one isn’t completely free, but it can still be used on days when you have errands to complete.
14. Drinking a tall, cold glass of water
Drinking water is a simple life pleasure that is even better after a workout, when it’s hot outside, or first thing in the morning, and when your throat is dry. Plus, being well-hydrated improves your physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being!
Take a reusable water bottle with you when going outside, as it gives you a way to remain hydrated all day long.
15. The ambiance of a rainy day
Rainy days are also enjoyable, but there’s something cozy and historic about a rainy day. The refreshing breeze before a storm, the sound of raindrops pattering against the roof, the smell of the earth after a rainstorm…enjoy a good book or go for a walk to appreciate the scenery.
“Petrichor,” characterized as the earthy scent of rain on dried soil, is one of my favorite smells.
16. Having a bonfire with friends
Late spring and summer are the ideal times to have a night bonfire. With the slight chill in the air, it’s a good way to enjoy the outdoors after dark.
Bundle up in warm clothing and drink a hot beverage while watching the flames dance. You could also pick up some tasty marshmallows to roast over the fire!
17. Taking a long shower or bath
Whether you’re sweaty after a summer run, chilled to the bone after shoveling snow, or fatigued after a long flight, a good shower is an invigorating experience that can make you feel human again.
Make it as warm or cold as you like, use your preferred soaps and shampoos, and enjoy a bathtub bomb (or shower bomb) for the extra spa aspect.
18. Walking barefoot in the grass – A simple pleasure you can do every day
Live somewhere with grass? You can not merely look at it, but enjoy it by going barefoot on it! Being bare-foot in the grass may remind you of simpler childhood times or make you feel more relaxed and connected to the planet you are standing on.
Watch for bees pollinating wildflowers, as they are an unavoidable part of childhood none of us miss.
19. Decluttering your space is one of the most productive simple pleasures in life
Psychological studies show that clutter stresses us out. Dedicating an afternoon to a top-to-bottom spring cleaning and decluttering session can seem like quite an undertaking.
However, when you are able to sit in a clean, well-decorated home with candles lit and music playing in the background, you will relish the simple joy of a beautifully furnished space and a rewarding day.
Someone else’s day can be brightened by your donation of unwanted items or the sale of some items. A 30-day minimalist challenge allows participants to transform decluttering into a game and have fun while doing it!
20. Making someone smile
No matter if it’s a real compliment, a surprise bouquet of wildflowers, or a groan-worthy dad joke, there are numerous free ways to make a person smile. Try to make at least one smile a day from your partner, friends, family, or strangers!
You can also use the Random Acts of Kindness website for ideas.
21. Searching for the best fall foliage
I like autumn best- I love taking walks, bike rides, hikes, or drives to admire the changing leaves of the fall forests and mountains. adventure is the best thing about fall for me. Go exploring to find the best views and trails in your area!
You can even add a educational component by picking a tree identification book to learn more about the plants and animals you are observing. It’s also a lovely idea for an outing day!
22. Taking a beautiful photo
While you’re out having fun in life’s simplest pleasures, memorialize the experience with a photo too. Spend time practicing with your camera (including a cell phone) and learn about some principles of photographic composition.
However, be sure to limit the number of photos you take by not taking any more of them than are necessary at a given location.
23. Stargazing on a clear night
Looking for simple life pleasures that help us put things into perspective and remind us of how small we are in the universe? Stargazing is the perfect activity!
Visit the list of International Dark Sky Places to find a fantastic place to view the stars, or just go to your backyard and look up at the stars.
24. Looking back at old photos
Nostalgia is a mixture of joy, wistfulness for bygone times, and memories of experiences and people that used to be in your lifetime.
Browse the photo albums on your next visit with your family, or browse your social media outlets for a modern equivalent.
25. Watching ocean waves crash – One of the most entrancing simple pleasures to witness
It is instinctive for many people to feel drawn to the ocean due to its immense power and splendor. You can lose yourself by contemplating the waves and hearing them crashing.
The off-season or to the shore is a relaxing way to experience this pleasant life pleasure.
26. Seeing a gentle snowfall
We’ve mentioned a number of the simpler pleasures of the rest of the year, and we can’t leave out winter! A fresh snowfall makes the world feel soft and pristine.
Enjoying the snowflakes fall while indoors with a cup of coffee or tea is one of the coziest experiences winter has to offer. You could also put on some pleasant music and light candles to make the surroundings a little cozier.
27. Volunteering for a good cause
Helping others is one of the most rewarding actions you can take on your life, as it enables you to help the subjects you care about the most.
You can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or charity, put together care packages filled with personal items and essentials for the homeless, assist staff at a community project, and so on. Such actions allow you to gain perspective, live more authentically, and make a real difference in the world.
28. Making a home-cooked meal – A frugal and simple pleasure
Sharing tasty, homemade meals is certainly one of life’s simplest pleasures enjoyed by everyone.
While ingredients themselves are not free, this idea could be used to clean out supplies in your pantry that have been sitting around for a while. There are several apps that help you meal plan using ingredients you already own.
29. Writing or journaling
Is your mind full of ideas for a novel or short story begging to be jotted down? Or do you love stumbling on old journals and smiling at the memories of your earlier life?
The act of writing is a window into your own mind and an outlet for your creativity, and it costs nothing but time. So set a goal to start a self-care journal or anything else that brings you joy.
30. Watching a great movie or show
More in the mood to kick back to enjoy the fruits of another writer’s creativity brought to life on the screen?
You don’t have to pay for cable or satellite television, since there are excellent movies and shows available for free as well!
Here are eight ways to cut the cord and enjoy your favorite shows for little or no money. You can also check your local library for free DVD rentals!
31. Finishing things on your to-do list
When tasks pile up, it can feel like an overwhelming experience. But checking those items off a list makes up for it in satisfaction!
Start by tackling the task you are least fond of-then you will be relieved once you finish the easier ones.
32. Learning something new
Being a more well-rounded, happy, and satisfied individual is beneficial to one’s wellbeing. And in the age of the internet, education and information are much more accessible than they used to be.
You can take a free online course, watch an educational video, read an instructive book, or have a friend teach you a skill. Learning new abilities can help you improve your income!
33. Playing a game (sports, cards, board games, etc.)
If you have a basketball, soccer ball, baseball, racquetball and tennis racket, a badminton set, a deck of cards, or a board game collection, it’s free to play. Invite your family and friends to a friendly game night or host your own competition.
I often play board games with my friends and family.
34. Watching birds and wildlife
Animals are fun and fascinating to watch. Perhaps your most pleasurable activity of the day will be waking up to a bird singing outside your window or seeing a fox pass your yard. You may also like to take a quick trip to go see a wildlife preserve or go bird watching.
Spending time with your adored canine companions is also an fantastic leisurely activity.
35. Sipping coffee in the morning
When you drink your first cup of steaming hot coffee in the morning, your morning feels much more pleasant. This is especially true if you enjoy your coffee while reading a newspaper or book.
If you want to set your mind at ease in the morning, a cup of coffee will generally suffice.
36. Wearing pajamas right out of the dryer
On a cool evening, wearing your pajamas while they are warm from the dryer provides a comfortable way to pass the time. It provides warmth and comfort and prepares you for sleep.
37. Enjoying a lit candle at home – One the easiest simple pleasures for relaxation
When you light a scented candle up and watch it burn, it creates a gorgeous light and environment for the living space. Not only does the candle fill your house with an inviting scent, but it also creates a warm and comforting atmosphere.
Most of us have a light at home, making this an absolutely free activity.
38. Paying off debt and seeing your money grow
If you’re in debt and want to break free, logging in to receive a small profit with every payment is made an instant rush of dopamine for you!
The same holds true for seeing your net worth or financial investments grow larger and reaching the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Donate some time every week to tracking your financial health. Although the need to pay off debt costs money, the joy of taking a moment to observe your progress is unbound.
39. Achieving your goals – One of the highly rewarding yet simple pleasures in life
The greater your goals in life are, the more fulfillment you will enjoy in reaching them! Check out these ideas for annual goals in all areas of life, including finance, fitness, and personal growth.
List your own set of goals, then keep a close watch on your progress toward meeting them.
Take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures in life!
These are just several of the many benefits of life that you can enjoy for free!
There are so many more, and it will be up to each one to identify which ones are the most meaningful for them. There are plenty of other activities that people can enjoy and make good money from as well.
