All those great things in life that make you happy? Here we are again. Back to school, back to all things social, back to being that big ball of stress rocking back and forth in the fetal position getting existential about the future.
With so much going on, it’s so dang hard to stop and take a breath affecting mental health, much less reflect on how you are really feeling.
So I ask, are you happy?
My answer? Overall, yes, but day-to-day happiness so easily gets muddled in our hectic lives and the frenzy of emotions we mirror of others.
So remember: life is good, what will be will be, and everything will be alright.
“Simplicity is the essence of happiness.” – Cedric Bledsoe
Table of Contents
100 Little Things That Make You Happy
And if you need a little more help feeling the warm and fuzzies, the following is a list of the most beautiful little things in life. And they’re not about fancy appearances, spending money, or impressing others — these are small yet significant things we can all take pleasure in, day after day with emotional and interpersonal benefits.
Take a breath of fresh air and check these simplest things to make you happy!
1. Wearing your favorite sweater
2. That content feeling of waking up naturally… without a headache-inducing alarm
3. Watching the world from behind the window of a moving vehicle
4. Reruns of your favorite show
5. A long hot bath or bubble bath with extra bubbles
6. Long walks on a sunny day
7. The relaxing of your tense shoulders after a deep breath
8. Burning a new candle
9. Freshly cut flowers
10. Lazy Sundays
11. The smell of clean cotton and laundered clothing
12. Random compliments
13. Wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a shower
14. Fuzzy socks
15. Finding a great sale
16. When soft rain puts you to sleep
17. Checking things off your to-do list
18. Your favorite song coming on the radio
19. Finding a new song you love
20. Hearing a song you forgot about
21. S’mores
22. Kicking off your shoes after a long day
23. Finding a book you can’t put down
24. Reading something that completely resonates with you
25. Long, tight hugs
26. Hearing from an old friend
27. A GOOD slice of pizza
28. New school supplies
29. Swaying to the beat of a good song
30. Homemade baked goods
31. A fresh haircut
32. An organized closet
33. The feeling you get after a workout
34. Accomplishing something early
35. Finding something you thought you lost
36. Payday!
37. A smile from a stranger
38. Getting out of work/class unexpectedly early
39. Feeling good in an outfit
40. Find a pair of jeans that really fit
41. The extra crunchy french fry at the bottom of the bag
42. Finding a new favorite food
43. Puppy licks
44. The feel of the sun warming your skin
45. Bralettes
46. Butterflies from a new crush
47. Butterflies in general
48. Cold water with lemon
49. When something you’ve been wanting to happen, happens
50. Yummy smells
51. Making a brave decision
52. Doing something for someone other than yourself
53. When you can see the stars
54. Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows
55. When someone just gets you
56. Laughing when something is really, really funny
57. Finding a pen that writes perfectly smooth
58. The package you’ve been waiting for finally arriving
59. Eating food that you’re majorly craving
60. Soft serve vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles
61. Sand between your toes
62. Undisturbed snow
63. Drawing a perfectly straight line
64. Finding money you forgot about
65. The way your curtains dance in the wind
66. Fresh fruit
67. Taco Tuesday
68. Twinkly holiday lights
69. Learning something new
70. Feeling well-rested
71. A great dream
72. When inspiration strikes
73. Good sibling relationships
74. A party where you actually had a good time
75. When your mom packs you lunch
76. Finding old pictures
77. When someone expresses appreciation for you
78. Tears of relief
79. Smiling
80. Having time to leisurely eat breakfast
81. A great hair day
82. Calling your grandparents just to say “hey” or spending time
83. An even tan
84. Singing… loudly
85. Popping bubble wrap
86. Sleeping in clean sheets
87. Beach days
88. Spending time outdoors in unexpected places
89. Candid photos
90. When your music shuffles to the song you really wanted to hear
91. Handwritten letters
92. A good kiss
93. The cool side of your pillow
94. Bonding with someone over a shared interest
95. Being greeted by your pet
96. Forehead kisses
97. Being trusted with a secret
98. Random act of kindness like a stranger holding the door open for you
99. Being too excited for the next day to sleep
100. Being yourself, loving yourself, and treating yourself the way you deserve
Appreciate the little things; there is so much to be happy about!
Life Satisfaction and the Power of Simple Pleasures
The pursuit of happiness might seem complex, but often, it’s the simple pleasures that carve the path. Imagine the sheer comfort of slipping into a freshly made bed or the refreshing tranquility of a sunny weekend afternoon.
These moments provide a reliable momentary increase in our happiness levels, underscoring the profound impact of life’s small delights.
The Science of Happiness
Extensive research indicates that happiness is not just a fleeting state but a condition we can cultivate through specific practices. For instance, gratitude increased participants’ happiness in studies where individuals were asked to keep a gratitude journal.
These follow-up assessments proved the practice’s effectiveness in boosting happiness and decreasing depressive symptoms.
Beyond the Halfway Point: Happiness in Later Years
As we venture past middle age, the quest for happiness often intensifies. The most robust finding from happiness research suggests that maintaining strong social connections and a positive outlook are pivotal.
Friends and family provide a crucial support network, and positive affect appeared consistently in those who valued these relationships. Furthermore, late-life adjustment is better predicted by these sustained connections than by other factors.
Health and Happiness
Physical health and enough sleep are indispensable elements in the happiness formula. Sleep deprivation negatively affects productivity and mood, while regular physical activity, like joining an exercise group, enhances both physical health and emotional well-being.
Patients treated with a combination of physical activity and mindfulness meditation, for instance, experienced heightened well-being.
Mindfulness and Self-awareness
Practicing mindfulness can lead to heightened awareness and improved self-awareness. An eight-week course in mindfulness meditation can make a huge difference in one’s life, substantially enriching one’s overall happiness.
Participants in such programs often report boosts in happiness and a more positive outlook as their self-awareness grew.
Spending That Enriches Life
Interestingly, the way we spend money can also impact our happiness. Called prosocial spending, the act of spending money on others can generate a burst of positive emotions.
Whether it’s planning surprise date nights or giving gifts randomly, this seemingly simple strategy enhances our own happiness as well as that of others.
Nurturing the Soul
Engaging in activities that resonate with our soul, like listening to a relaxing playlist during a lunch break or enjoying the scent of freshly cut grass, can serve as an effective pick-me-up.
Writing letters or performing random acts of kindness produces a sense of accomplishment and joy, proving that small acts can lead to significant emotional rewards.
I want to hear from you in the comments below!
What little things make you happy? What would you add to this list?
Related posts:
WOW!!
good job 🙂
i love it