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Busy schedules and cluttered lives often leave little time for enjoying the simple things in life. The smell of fresh-brewed coffee in the morning, the sound of rain as it hits the window, the warmth of a fuzzy robe on a cold winter’s night. These are the types of things that elicit fond memories and feelings of satisfaction. Unfortunately, many of us forget to enjoy the little things. 

Because everyone is unique, life’s simple pleasures will be different from person to person. Whatever yours are, it’s important that you take time to enjoy them as they will remind you of how little it really takes to tap into happiness. The tips below will help you get there. 

1. Identify Your Simple Pleasures

Take a moment to think about the simple moments and sensations that bring you joy. Jot them down. Making a list can help you remember to slow down and enjoy these things when they come along. 

It might be a comforting smell, you can recreate with an essential oil diffuser. Maybe it’s a taste or a sensation that brings about happy thoughts. Whatever the case, identify what makes you happy, and make a point of enjoying these small blessings when they occur. 

2. Take a Moment and Be Present

Life is busy. We’re constantly moving from one task to the next with barely a minute for a pause in between. This is why it’s difficult for many of us to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. 

Enjoying the little things isn’t about having time – it’s about paying attention. It’s about taking a moment to pause and be present in the moment. You may not be accustomed to “stopping to smell the roses,” but you should make the effort. The more you do, the easier it will be to press pause whenever you want to enjoy the small pleasures in life. 

3. Pay Attention to Natural Beauty

Nature offers a plethora of beautiful things to enjoy. From pretty wildflowers growing on the side of the road to a rainbow in the sky after a storm, there are a lot of things to appreciate and enjoy in nature. Taking the time to appreciate their beauty is a great way to begin noticing the little things that bring joy in life. 

The next time you’re outside at night, take a moment to look at the stars in all their glory or stop and pick some flowers while walking through the woods. These activities will slow your mind and reduce your stress. 

4. Do Something New

If you find you’re having trouble slowing down to appreciate the things listed above, try doing something new and different from your daily routine. Drive a different route to work or visit a different coffee shop. Doing something unfamiliar requires your full attention, and this leaves little room for worry or strife over your typical daily grind. 

5. Plan the Simple Things

Simple pleasures are all around us – you just have to pay attention to see them. If you’re having a hard time finding them, it’s okay to plan them out. Whether it’s something little like taking a short walk after dinner or something more involved like a day at the beach, make time to enjoy things that bring you happiness. 

Today’s busy lifestyle makes it difficult to slow down to enjoy the little things. By following the suggestions above, you can rediscover life’s simple pleasures.