Embracing the little things in life - Simple ways to find joy in the everyday
“Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you'll look back and realise they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
The world is a busy place and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, get lost thinking about the past or planning the future. How often do you hit pause, recognize and appreciate the little things that make life so wonderful? Learning to enjoy the little things is an important step towards personal development, better mental health and well-being, and self improvement. Here are some simple tips on how to embrace the beauty in the little things, be more present and live in the moment.
Simple ways to find joy in the everyday
Slow down
It’s easy to fill our weeks with endless tasks, but if we don’t stop and pay attention to the little things in our daily lives, we can miss out on what really matters. Take the time to hit the pause button and look around you to notice things you can be grateful for: maybe it’s an inspiring natural environment, the amazing smell of coffee in the morning or your partner, family or friend that’s always there for you. Remember that every day is unique and special and won’t come again, so make the most of it and take time to enjoy your daily moments.
Practice gratitude
Taking time to focus on what you are thankful for is a key to a happier and more fulfilled life. A good way to practise gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Research shows that people who record their daily feelings of gratitude and blessings experience a more positive mood and have a more optimistic view of their lives. Take 10 or 15 minutes before bedtime to write down what you feel grateful for Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life today, and watch your appreciation for the little things increase!
Meditate
Different types of meditation help us stay present, become more aware of our thoughts and feelings and is one of our favourite ways to practise self care. According to research, meditation has several important benefits for both our body and mind and apart from calming us down, can also make us more creative and happy. If meditating feels intimidating at first or if you are not sure where to begin, a guided meditation app is a great way to start.
Focus on your senses
One way to practice living in the moment and embracing the everyday is to simply take time to focus on your senses and what is happening around you. What are three things you smell, three things you can touch and three things you can hear? Being more in tune with your senses will make it easier to pick up on all the beautiful things around you that you may have missed. Indulging in nature is a wonderful way to do this. Feel the soft ocean breeze, the smell of the flowers or listen to the soft rustling of the trees.
Take time for self-care
Make sure to schedule time for activities and self-care rituals that make you feel happy, at peace and that nourish both your body and mind. Focus on getting enough sleep, treating your body to healthy and tasty foods, and doing your favourite workouts. Enrich your spare time with hobbies that stimulate you, be it reading, painting or playing a sport. Taking care of yourself and doing things that you love will help you feel happier and better equipped to handle life’s challenges — and fully enjoy all the little moments that cross your path.
Enjoying the beautiful little moments in life
When was the last time you:
Curled up with a good book?
Bought some fresh flowers for yourself?
Spent time outdoors, perhaps in the forest on your day off?
Opened your window in the morning and listened to the birds chirping?
Watched the sunrise or sunset?
Said “I love you”?
Danced around to your favourite songs?
Did a long yoga session by the beach?
Went for a nature hike?
Walked barefoot in the grass?
This is our own list to inspire you to think of all the small things that you enjoy in your daily lives. We encourage you to make a list of your own! Whatever your personal list looks like, remember that the biggest of joys can be found in even the smallest of things — and all of life’s beautiful little moments.
