“The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things.” ― Veronique Vienne
Are you happy? What makes you happy? Is it an earth-shattering milestone that happens once in a blue moon or daily simple pleasures, the little joys that create a life happily-lived?
According to Benjamin Franklin, “Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom to a man in the course of his life.”
According to Veronique Vienne, “The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things.” (The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself)
It’s in human nature to actively seek for something material that bring us happiness – a new house, a car or a diamond ring. And no doubts, getting them make us extremely happy. But how often those big things happen? Once in a lifetime?
But on a daily basis, we find happiness in the simplest pleasures that we commonly take for granted, like your first sip of coffee in the morning. These little things are tremendously satisfying. To be happy is to be “here and now”, finding the enjoyment in small pleasures that exist or happening right at this moment and right at the place you are.
20 Secret daily simple pleasures
You’ve got the idea, happiness is when you like to go to work in the morning and like to be back home at night, and when you can find simple pleasures in between. Every single day.
1
A cup of coffee (or tea)
There’s nothing more enjoyable than your first sip of coffee (or tea) in the morning. And there’s nothing more pleasant than a cup of coffee during your busy day to recharge your batteries and relax for five minutes. You might not be a big coffee drinker and always prefer tea, but you cannot deny the fact that even the smell of fresh coffee brewing makes you happier.
2
A splash of water
The splash of water on your face is one of your first things in the morning. Water always makes people feel better, no matter if it’s a sea, river, shower, or just water from the tap. Take a relaxing aromatic bath when you have a chance or simply wash your hands with cold water at work. Do you remember the idiom “washing your hands”? The origin of it goes to Pontius Pilate’s washing his hands after having Jesus put to death, saying “I am innocent of the blood of this just person” (Matthew 27:24). Water helped him to lessen his unpleasant feeling of gilt. Today, it’s a scientifically proven fact that water helps you wash off your bad mood and worries (not completely, though).
3
Smelling your favorite aroma
Your favorite pleasant fragrance has the ability to give you a moment of joy. You can buy an essential oil of fragrance you love and add a drop to you liquid soap or carry it with you in your purse where ever you go.
Simply put, happiness is when you like to go to work in the morning and like to be back home at night, and when you can find simple pleasures in between.
4
Dreaming in bed before falling asleep
At night, your time in bed before sleeping is your chance to be alone, to be your true self. Imagine any wonderful things you want happen to you. Dreams give you joy, strength, inspiration, and happiness. “The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.” Without dreaming there are no colors in life. Let your imagination run without any boundaries.
5
Listening to the rain
It’s so pleasant to lie in bed and listen to the rain drops hitting your windowsill. Rain produces a sound called “white noise.” The brain gets a tonic signal from white noise that decreases this need for sensory input, thus calming you down.
6
Buying flowers
Flowers always make you feel less depressed, anxious and agitated. They give you fantastic sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction. If you want to feel a bit happier – buy fresh flowers, cut them in your backyard, or enjoy them in the park.
7
Dancing when nobody’s around
When you listen to your favorite song and dance alone with nobody around, it feels extremely good.
8
Eating chocolate
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is one of the healthiest treats that you can eat without any considerations. Chocolate is known for its ability to increase levels of happy hormones – dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. It plays the key role in the dopamine production because it contains the dopamine precursor – amino acid tyrosine. It also has small amounts of a compound called phenylethylamine, which acts like an amphetamine, stimulating your brain cells to release dopamine. Chocolate will make you happier. Naturally.
9
Listening to your favorite song
Listening to your favorite song triggers a release of a happy hormone dopamine to the brain. It works like a switch between outwardly focused mind states and the internal sense of self.
10
Walking barefoot
Nothing could be simpler. Walk barefoot at home on the clean floor, outside of your office building on your lunch break in summer, in the park, or on the beach … Wherever and whenever you have a chance. It’s not just enjoyable, there’s something more. When you walking barefoot, foot reflex zones are stimulated providing a whole new feeling of joy and many other benefits to the entire body. It has been shown that barefoot walking helps strengthen your nervous system, reduce inflammation and improve sleep.
11
Eating your favorite fruit
Never miss the opportunity to indulge in eating your favorite fruit. It’s 2 in 1: pleasure and health. Nothing could be easier and more enjoyable. So, never forget to take an orange or apple to work.
12
Watching the sunset
Feeling down after a rough day? Drive to your favorite spot in the nearest park, go to the balcony or simply look out of the window. Mysteriously, sunsets relieve stress, enhance the satisfaction in life and make your worries fade away.
13
Throwing away your old clothes
A woman feels excited and happy twice: when she gets new clothes and when she gets rid of them.
14
Finding something to laugh about
When you laugh, your brain releases happy hormones – endorphins. These tiny molecules make a big difference. They lessen your stress, lighten your mood and make you feel happier.
15
Sleeping on fresh sheets
If you feel more excited about bedtime knowing that you have fresh bedding, you are not alone. According to the US National Sleep Foundation, over 70% of people feel the same.
16
Praising yourself
Self-praising is great! It builds self-confidence and helps to reinforce your positive thinking. If you’d praise yourself you’d feel capable of great things and more likely you can make them happen.
17
Putting on your pajama after a long day
It’s fantastically pleasant to put on your pajama after a long day! Even though you looked great in your outfit during the day, knowing that your pajama is waiting for you at home makes you smile.
18
Sleeping with the windows open
Sleeping with the windows open at night is a great way to ensure fresh air and lower the room temperature. You’d have a better sleep during the night and better mood in the morning.
19
Turning your pillow upside down
Nothing could be more pleasant then turning your pillow upside down during the hot night.
20
Finding something you’ve lost
It’s really a great surprise that makes you happy.
