They say it is the simple things in life that derive the most pleasure. It is true that finding the simple things and making them a part of your daily life offers a special type of joy. However, it also provides much needed relief from stress which can affect your health. So, here are ten simple things in life that you should enjoy as often as possible.
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching” ― Gerard Way
Enjoying Tea with Family or Friends
Having a cup of tea or perhaps a hot cup of coffee is a great way to unwind and relax when you are in the company of family and friends. You can make it a lunch date, break time, or after work activity that provides a few moments of rest, reflection, and good times. Be sure to keep the conversation light and cheerful and always have your favorite tea or beverage to enjoy in these moments.
Smile and Laugh
It costs nothing to smile and laugh. To do so every day will not only bring warmth and happiness into your life, but also provide happiness to others which will only make your day even more special. When you consider what a blessing being alive is each and every day, smiling and laughing makes for a great way to enjoy what you have. Plus, it is a great stress reliever as you can enjoy the day better and make everyone else smile and laugh a little more as well.
Walk in Nature
There is no feeling like walking in the park, through the woods, or along the beach. There is something about returning to nature that makes people feel tranquil and calm. It is in these small moments that meditation and reflection are possible which in turn reduces stress and helps you feel more alive. The good news is that there are parks, beaches, or rural areas within easy access for most people which mean that you can find peace in the arms of nature even if only for a few moments. Be sure to take advantage of these moments by finding a place to commune with nature even if only for a short time.
Music
Few things can lift your spirits like your favorite music. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes from your day to listen to music and boost your spirits. You can also branch out and choose different forms of music that can help make work go a little faster or create an atmosphere that is more pleasant and appealing. For example, gentle, relaxing music can help sooth your mind and relax the body after a hard day’s work while more energetic music can really pump you up and get you going.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of odors and scents that make a substantial change in terms of your feelings and outlook to the world. For centuries, aromatherapy has been used in various forms as a part of meditation and medicinal practices. This form of therapy is quite powerful because the sense of smell is the only one of the five that is directly connected to the brain. A small part of the brain is actually exposed in the back of the nasal cavity in order to directly take in the scents and odors. Therefore, aromatherapy gifts using the right essential oils from various plants can have a powerful effect on your personal outlook in a very positive manner.
Eating Healthy
Eating right can help you feel better very quickly. Too many people get stuck eating junk food and it doesn’t take long before they feel bloated and their mood quickly drops. By eating light, healthy meals you can quickly change your attitude and feel better throughout the day. While you shouldn’t give up your favorite foods, you should eat them in moderation while enjoying plenty of fruits and vegetables. In this manner, you can have the best of both worlds when you eat healthy.
Exercise
Engaging in good exercise improves your muscle tone and assists in helping you lose weight. The good news is that you can choose from many different types of exercises and mix them up so that you never get bored with getting into shape. You can walk, jog, lift weights, aerobics, yoga, and many other types of exercise that will break a sweat and get you into great shape.
Meditation
This can bring you a considerable amount of pleasure simply by setting aside a few minutes each day to meditate. You can enhance your spiritual side through prayer and reading sacred text or you can use the power of yoga to focus your thoughts. In any case, including meditation as part of your day will help relieve stress and renew your spirits so that you can get through the rest of your day and prepare for tomorrow.
Love
There is nothing like sharing your feelings of love with family and friends. Tell them how you feel about them and share your love which will boost their feelings as well. Expressing how we feel helps everyone when it is based in love and provides you with the ability to receive love. All too often, people miss opportunities to tell each other how they feel and it is that regret that deflates the spirit. So, take the time to tell your friends and family what they mean to you.
Give
Give of yourself, your time, effort, and express your feeling with small gifts that let your friends and family know that you care. The good news is that you can choose from many small gifts such as silk flowers, gift baskets, aromatherapy products, and more that will express your feelings to those that you love. By giving small gifts that help others, you can make your day as well.
By enjoying the simple things in life, you can reduce the stress and anxiety that can build up over the day. Plus, you can help others feel better about themselves and well while creating a more pleasant environment for everyone.
“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder