The world has trained us to expect happiness to be extravagant—showy to the point of fireworks being required to signal any amount of glee. Some joyous expressions are big and boisterous like that, but it’s not the case most of the time. In fact, the simple joys in life are small, humble bursts of goodness that fuel your everyday happiness.
If you’re looking for a habit to boost your mental health, celebrating simple joys is a good start. Take the tried-and-true advice to stop and smell the roses. Sing your favorite song at the top of your lungs. Savor each bite of your favorite food. Or, if you need more ideas for embracing the simple joys in life, Whole30 HQ members shared a few of the little things that mean the most to them. Maybe they’ll help you find just a bit more joy in your day—we hope so.
Alyssa
Snuggling with my dog for a few minutes, several times throughout the day, or taking him on short walks (I work from home!). It’s the perfect little serotonin boost for me, and hopefully, he feels the love, too.
An abundance of curated playlists! I like to have them for all different moods: throwbacks, upbeat and happy, oldies, relaxation tracks, emo, and even some jazz cafe vibes. Depending on the day or vibe, it’s nice to have options. I stream through Spotify.
Pillow spray! My husband travels for work, and one of the hotel chains that he stays in will sometimes include a tiny little bottle of this essential-oil-infused pillow spray. After he brought it home to me one time, I became obsessed. I was able to buy it online and it’s such a nice little bedtime ritual treat—thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is what I like!
Betsy
Outdoor time! As a first-time mom working full-time, I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments that help me recharge. After work, getting outside for a walk or hike with my baby is the perfect way to unwind, reset, and get some fresh air and sunshine.
One fancy coffee a week. Every Friday, I treat myself to a delicious matcha from my favorite local coffee shop. It’s a small luxury that marks the start of the weekend, and I savor every sip. I love caffeine—but since it messes with my sleep, this once-a-week treat feels extra special.
One hour of Me Time after bedtime. Once the baby’s asleep, I carve out an hour just for me. Some nights it’s video games. (Mario Kart, anyone?) Other nights it’s an audiobook or a favorite show. It’s a small, but essential, way to unwind and rot on the couch after a long day. To anyone without kids: If you ever feel guilty about binge-watching a show, or “not being productive” —don’t. Soak it up. Savor it. Do it for the homies, for us moms who can’t anymore. 😂
Shannon
A hot cup of tea. It’s an intentional process, boiling the water, waiting on the steep, sipping. It bops me out of a rut or spiral thinking.
A selection of pretty plates or bowls, makes me feel taken care of and reminds me that I deserve to enjoy nice things.
Clean sheets and smooth legs for “cricket legs.” Also in the same vein, a warm foot soak before bed! These both do nothing but make you feel good, and I love that limited usefulness!
Lindsay
I love to buy fresh flowers from the farmer’s market weekly. It’s the perfect excuse for me to get out of the house. The flowers not only brighten up my space, but my mood, as well!
There is no better way to settle down after a long day than with a nice smelling candle. I light one every night while I read. I find joy in rotating out the scents depending on my mood, or matching it to the vibes of my book! I really love the candles from the Harlem Candle Company if you’re looking for luxurious, long-lasting candles.
Mikey
Any time with our senior pup Fasco is our best mental health activity… snuggles, and just loving on him and spoiling him brings us unequivocal joy even on the hardest days. One of my favorite stress-free activities is reading a book while Fasco naps on the rug near me.
Food! One of our favorite activities that’s good for the brain and the tummy is trying new restaurants with our friends. There truly is something very therapeutic about enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by your friends. This always leads to good conversation, laughter, and full bellies. 🙂
Time at home or in our yard has been a true joy for me and my husband Ben. He’s become quite the yard man. Taking great care of our beautiful yard has been a lot of work, but also so rewarding. Having purchased our first home in 2022, we’ve really made it a special place for our little family.
Brittney
I love creating a cozy corner in my living room. I turn on my twinkling lights, the soft backlight behind my TV, and light a few candles. I grab plenty of pillows, a blanket, a cozy fantasy book, and a mug of herbal tea. I usually find a cozy-reading-nook video or a nature-themed ambiance video on YouTube. Then I cuddle up with my cat, Rhea, and read until I drift off to sleep. (Not to worry, my husband knows the drill—he extinguishes the candles once I’m out.)
A bold lipstick is my personal pick-me-up. Even if I’m staying in, that pop of color instantly brightens my mood. I’ve started to treat myself by splurging on quality lipsticks—Ilia is my go-to brand. Whether I’m heading out or just having a date night at home, a bold lip makes me feel more confident, fabulous, and just the right amount of extra. 💋
It’s a must to dedicate time just for cuddling with my cat, Rhea. She loves to sleep on top of me and nuzzle her head under my neck. We grab our heated blanket and settle in while I read, watch a show, or take a nap. She completely passes out on me, and it’s truly the most relaxing and comforting feeling ever.
Melissa
Blankets everywhere. I have a blanket on both work chairs, at the foot of my bed, on my outdoor patio set, and many in my living rooms. I don’t care how warm it is, blankets are reassuring.
Audiobooks. I borrow with the Libby or Hoopla apps, and they make cleaning, walking, driving, waiting in line, or doing my skincare so much more enjoyable.
No big lights. My husband is constantly making fun of me for living in a “cave,” but using natural light or soft, focused lighting instead of overhead lights is far more relaxing, especially as I work.
Jen
Pizza and movie night with my husband and kids. We dedicate a weekend night a few times a month to staying up a little later, enjoying fresh pizza, snuggling under warm, cozy blankets, and savoring decaf coffee for the parents and hot chocolate for the kids. They get to pick a movie they’ve never watched, and we spend the time cuddling on the couch together with our kitties. We all look very forward to this!
Taking a long walk around the neighborhood to admire spring blooms. I love to pop on a good audiobook and set out for a lengthy stroll to see what my neighbors are doing with their gardens in the spring, stopping to look at flowering trees, and generally taking in the fresh air and sunshine after a long winter.
A long, hot shower with Shower Steamers Aromatherapy. These eucalyptus and mint shower bombs make my entire bathroom smell lovely, transforming a regular shower into a spa-like experience.
Dave
A game of chase with the puppy. Chuck is 97-pounds of black lab energy, love, and goofiness. Even though he’s a 5-year-old retriever, Chuck prefers to grab a toy and be chased. I’ve heard kids shouldn’t run in the house, but now I’m on the mortgage, and I honestly can’t help it. His ears flop whenever he bounds around, and it’s too much.
Time spent in a cozy local bookstore. Swaddle me in printed pages so the peace and calm of each paragraph seeps into my soul. Tearing up books and clothing yourself in loose leaf is, of course, frowned upon. Luckily, the store’s ambiance alone brings a big smile to my face any day. Add my wife and an iced decaf americano and I’m in heaven.
Herbs snipped fresh from the garden. We’re naturally inclined to herbaceous cookery at my house, but there’s even more joy in the harvest’s aromas and the ultra-vibrant flavors on your plate. It’s a little farm-to-table moment that my Food-Network-loving heart cherishes.
Cherish the simple joys in your life
You’ve heard our favorite simple joys. Now, write down your treasured little moments, or just start noticing those small things that bring an outsized amount of joy. It’s a small commitment of time to support your mental health with the simple joys in life.
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