The pressure of pursuing bigger goals, higher living standards, and more material possessions often makes us unhappy.

We frequently focus on what we lack and mostly end up feeling discontent and disappointed.

We forget to appreciate and be grateful for the small things and simple pleasures in life that present themselves to us every day. 

But luckily, we can always find some little ways to boost our day, improve our satisfaction, and create more happiness.

How?

By applying and enjoying simple pleasures in life to make days more pleasant.

The good thing – satisfying, little things, don’t cost anything or are mostly very inexpensive! 

So I thought it would be fun to share some simple pleasures that came into my mind, and hopefully, this will inspire you to reflect on your life and the little things that bring pleasure to you as well!

In this post:

1. What are simple pleasures?

2. Can simple pleasures actually make us happier?

3. How do you enjoy simple pleasures?

4. What are the best simple pleasures of life?

5. List of 123 simple pleasures

6. Final thoughts

*Disclosure: This article may have affiliate links, so I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

What are simple pleasures?

“Simple pleasures are the last healthy refuge in a complex world.”

– Oscar Wilde

Relax and reflect, and you will realize that it’s the little things in life that bring you joy.

These simple pleasures come in all different ways, from eating fluffy pancakes to making someone smile.

It turns out that it doesn’t take a lot to be happy, especially when you realize you are lucky to have and to be able to experience these little things.

As time goes on, I always ask myself: how can I better my life?

For example, I developed a habit of starting my day and being grateful just for waking up.

Now simply waking up has become a real pleasure to me.

It puts a smile on my face and kick-starts my day instantly with a positive mindset.

This habit has become a total game-changer for me. I can now apply it to the tiniest things in my life to sweeten my day a little bit more.

Practicing to be grateful for simple things can work wonders and help your happiness points to add up and to enjoy your life more.

And it feels even more amazing to be able to recognize and relish these simple pleasures as they happen.

So the more simple pleasures you find and appreciate in a day, the happier you get. Simple right?

Can simple pleasures actually make us happier?

Indeed they can!

It is not the massive changes like a big house or a fancy car that make the most impact.

But sometimes little things like fluffy pancakes or listening to rustling tree leaves, that bring the biggest happiness boost.

Just try it for yourself and make it a mission to find them.

Simple pleasures are everywhere around you, and you can make use of them anytime. 

Ask yourself: What small pleasures bring you the most happiness?

You will see that it’s easy to find them, and there are tons of pleasures to put on your own list.

Over time you will be able to even write your own simple pleasures book.

How do you enjoy simple pleasures in life?

Once a simple pleasure presents itself, make sure to relish that moment with all your heart and soul.

When you take the time to truly relish these moments as they come, you will find that the simple pleasures are what bring great happiness to your life.

It’s a tiny moment, so be present, suck it in and smile!

What are the best simple pleasures of life?

As already mentioned, the best simple pleasures don’t cost a thing or at least not much.

Those are things that we often oversee and take for granted.

That’s why I came up with 123 simple pleasures to remind you how much happiness can be found in everyday life and to brighten your day.

This list is by far not complete, and not all of the pleasures will bring the same amount of happiness to everyone, but I’m sure you can relate to most of them.

Hopefully they will encourage you to take a closer look into your life to find even more tiny pleasures to add to the list.

Also, feel free to add your own in the comments below.

But enough talking, time to relax and relish the following words.

My List of 123 Simple Pleasures

1. Fluffy pancakes and a cup of coffee

2. Taking a deep breath

3. Being grateful

4. Waking up after a good night’s sleep

5. Feeling the first rays of the morning sun on your skin

6. The first sip of your coffee or tea

7. A short meditation to start the day

8. Being present in the moment

9. Unconditional friendship

10. A cold refreshing shower after a morning workout

11. A smooth walk in the park

12. Riding a bike and feeling the fresh air on your face

13. A clean and tidy home

14. Driving a car with open windows

15. Mom‘s cooking (always the best!)

16. Smelling your favorite flower

17. Quality time with someone

18. Touching your partners soft hands

19. A kiss on the forehead

20. Writing down your thoughts in a journal

21. Helping someone in need

22. Gentle rain sound on your window

23. Getting rid of unused things

24. Talking to your best friend

25. Finishing a task that you have started

26. Waking up without pain

27. The first bite into your favorite fruit

28. Donating to help others

29. Making someone smile

30. Stretching your body

31. Appreciating what you already have

32. An easy Sunday morning

33. Getting a massage

34. Walking out of your workspace

35. Coming home and seeing a smile on your partner’s face

36. Cuddling with your pet

37. Learning something new

38. Choosing how to spend your time

39. A new brilliant idea

40. Listening to your heartbeat

41. Laughing with your best friend

42. Planning your next vacation

43. Listening to birds singing

44. Dancing to your favorite music

45. Motivational quotes

46. Resisting temptations

47. Surprising someone you love

48. Going to your favorite place

49. Reading a great book

50. Relaxing in a hammock

51. Seeing a rainbow

52. Crushing sound of dried leaves you step on in fall

53. Peanut butter banana sandwich

54. Showering in the rain

55. Eating ice cream (anytime!)

56. A healthy meal

57. Listening to your favorite podcast

58. Feeding your piggy bank

59. Smell of an orange

60. Seeing a ladybug

61. Finding something you thought was lost

62. The smell and feeling of fresh bed sheets on your skin

63. The smell of the rain

64. Checking off something in your to-do list

65. Hearing the beautiful sound of rustling tree leaves

66. Relaxing in front of a fireplace

67. Berries in your cereal bowl

68. Reaching the top of a mountain

69. Drinking a cold glass of clean water

70. Visiting new places

71. The laughter of your children

72. A sunshiny day

73. Meditating and yoga

74. Watching the stars

75. An aha! Moment

76. A surprise gift from someone

77. Perfect timings

78. Feeling appreciated by others

79. Jokes that make you laugh out loud

80. Memories seeing an old photo album

81. Watching your plants grow

82. Closing your laptop after work

83. Finding a four-leaf clover

84. Daydreaming

85. Getting amazed by a bright full moon

86. Taking it easy on a day-off

87. Accomplishing a new goal

88. Winning at Uno

89. Big snowflakes in the winter

90. Packing your luggage for the next vacation

91. Playing with a ball

92. Sitting by a fireplace

93. Talking about a good movie

94. Yellow cars

95. Receiving a sincere thank you

96. Feeling grass or sand under your feet

97. A memory that puts a smile in your face

98. Watching the candle light

99. Watching your childhood pictures

100. Meeting a good old friend

101. A perfect sunset

102. The fresh feeling after brushing your teeth

103. A cozy blanket

104. Fairy lights

105. Feeling loved

106. Unexpected compliments

107. Silly face expressions of your kids

108. The feeling that you have done the right thing

109. Looking down on clouds from a plane

110. An organized desk

111. Sweet kisses

112. Jumping into the lake

113. Being able to walk and care for yourself

114. The sound of the ocean

115. Shopping fresh food

116. Looking far into the distance

117. The smell of your favorite meal

118. An inspirational podcast

119. Catching a bus after running fast

120. Warm hugs

121. Watching a childhood series

122. Practicing positivity

123. Seeing others happy

Final Thoughts

These simple things can create memories that will last forever.

Embrace the simple pleasures that bring you joy, and you will find yourself being more content and happy.

Missed some of your favorite simple pleasures? What are yours?

Drop them in the comments below! 🙂

Ray Arya

Ray is a frugal minimalist who loves to travel and live in his self-converted camper van. He writes about the benefits of downsizing, decluttering, saving money, building wealth, and the freedom that results from the power of less. Minimalray.com is for everyone who seeks a meaningful life and is committed to contentment.