A picnic by the lake, walks along the beach, coffee with friends. If you can take pleasure in these small things, you can live a happy life.

Extravagant holidays, expensive parties, and glam weekends spice up life occasionally, but these do not make for a fulfilling life.

What are Simple Pleasures?

Simply said, these are common everyday things or activities we enjoy. They give us positive feelings such as contentment, joy, or rejuvenation. Such things include glorious sunsets, gratitude journaling, baking bread, birds chirping, or brunch with friends. Small pleasures provide comfort and contentment without requiring much time or effort.

The good news is there are countless sustainable ways to enjoy life's moments. All we need to do is find them in the ordinary.

Why Happiness is in Simple Enjoyments

Experts give several reasons why small pleasures make us happier and fulfilled.

Sustainable

Small pleasures are sustainable because they are shareable.

Not everyone can afford to luxuriate in the Bahamas. Nor can they splurge on six thousand dollars’ worth of wine or dine at posh restaurants with you all the time. You can share meaningful time with people who genuinely matter, with small pleasures. Quality time with yourself and others is what builds a happy life.

More Meaningful Interactions

Small pleasures put us in a kinder, more understanding frame of mind. Our positive attitudes strengthen bonds and add meaning to our connections.

No Stress

Simple pleasures do not demand elaborate planning, expense, or emotional roller-coasters. They are there for the taking when you just need to coast along.

But extravagant pleasures claim a lot of your resources. They take planning, demand a good-sized chunk from your wallet, and are more stressful. As a result, they can leave you open to emotional negativity and social conflict.

Hedonistic Adaptation

High-end indulgences are marvelous when experienced occasionally and in small doses. Unfortunately, unlike small pleasures, they tend to get old pretty fast.

Much like a drug, you end up chasing something bigger and better. Your initial high at purchasing the latest Hermes must-have often fades quickly back to your normal baseline emotion. We adapt fast to the reality of owning luxury. For the less adjusted, this is their time to look for the next big thrill.

Ordinary pleasures keep us grounded and grateful for our everyday lives. Anyone can access them to derive personal joy and contentment. When we learn to enjoy simple pleasures, we accumulate joy that allows us to authentically live life to our fullest.

Photo Credit: Domsli22