Treat Yo'self: 25 Simple Pleasures to Brighten Your Day
September 30, 2016
I recently participated in Sarah Jenks’ Live More Challenge.
For two weeks, I put more thought into what would make life more delicious,
what would feed my life (rather than just my body), and for two weeks I noticed
a genuine lightening of my spirits. I looked forward to each day’s challenge. I also learned that living more required planning, and I need to make time for fun
every day. (You can see my Live More posts if you follow me on Instagram.)
While this may sound frivolous in the face of this world’s
tragedies, I’ve learned that my being unhappy will not make this world safer or
better. My being happy, however, just might rub off on those around me,
and help someone else feel better, too. So with that in mind, I’ve compiled
a list of 25 simple pleasures for us to try. Won’t you join me?
1. Instead of a blaring alarm clock, wake up to music, nature
sounds, or something else that pleases your ear.
2. Call a friend—or (gasp!) write a letter.
3. Take a nap (I won’t tell).
4. Crank up some music. Choose music from the time you were
happiest for an extra boost.
5. Clean or declutter a drawer or shelf.
6. Bake something and share with a friend or neighbor.
7. Read, sketch, or simply people watch at a coffee shop. If
you’re into pumpkin spice lattes, now’s the time to order one!
8. Go picking—find an orchard or farm that hosts you pick
opportunities and fill a basket or bag with fresh produce.
9. Finish a project. Whether it’s a bathroom update or an art
project, fixing something that’s broken, or mending an item of clothing.
10. Buy one perfect treat (cupcake, scone, handmade chocolate,
glass of wine, etc.). Consume it without any distractions and enjoy every
mouthful.
11. Buy or collect fresh flowers. Find a place to put them where
the cat won’t eat them. (Or is this a problem only I have?)
12. Schedule a field trip to explore someplace new. Or revisit a
place you love—your choice.
13. Perform an anonymous act of kindness.
14. Look the cashier (or the server, or the librarian) in the
eye and smile.
15. You know that pile of magazines you’ve been meaning to read?
Grab it and curl up in bed for a couple of hours.
16. Take a walk in your neighborhood with your camera or phone.
Take photos of your favorite places and things—anything that grabs your
attention.
17. Sit comfortably for 10 minutes and do nothing. (It’s
harder than it sounds.)
18. Take a class, in person or online. Choose something you’ve
always wanted to try. Some fun ones I’ve come across: soap making, altered
journals, aromatherapy, wine making. Of course, I highly recommend my friend
Laure’s art classes.
19. Drink a cold glass of water. You’ll be refreshed and
energized—just watch out for brain freeze.
20. Tell someone a joke.
21. Sip a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa.
22. Rewatch your favorite movie. Maybe even eat some popcorn.
23. Sit outside, close your eyes and listen. See if you can
identify five different sounds.
24. Groom your dog/cat/rabbit/ferret/horse. Give him or her
treats and extra love. I still miss my dog so much, so be sure you enjoy them
while you have them.
So go forth and treat yo’self. Life should be enjoyed, not
just endured!
I’ve listed only a few simple pleasures. What can you add to this list?
“The way you treat yourself sets the standard for
others.”
—Dr. Sonya Friedman
5 comments
What a nice list. I agree with you that my being unhappy doesn't help the world, my being happy, yes, it does.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I got myself to our Farmer's Market, did a little sketching, but also had some very happy conversations.
I thought of you recently, and your blog. In my French class I wrote an essay on Happiness: Le bonheur. It was a wonderful way to reflect...
The Farmer's Market sounds nice, Rita. I'm happy you think of me when you think of happiness (or at least my blog). La Bonheur would make a nice blog name, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteDear Kathy all of those pleasures sound wonderful. I especially love the fresh sheets and climbing into bed early to read. That for me would be a great treat. Thank you for the wonderful list. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDear Kathy all of those pleasures sound wonderful. I especially love the fresh sheets and climbing into bed early to read. That for me would be a great treat. Thank you for the wonderful list. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Debbie. Hope you enjoy a whole bunch of simple pleasures today!
ReplyDelete