We sometimes think we’re exhausted because we’re doing too much. But oftentimes, we’re actually exhausted because we’re not doing enough of the things that bring us pleasure. Without even realizing it at times, we fall into the “busy trap” and forget to prioritize the little things that bring us joy and excitement—leading to emotional depletion and discontentment.
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However, if we occasionally step away from our day-to-day routines, and allow ourselves to engage in small pleasures more often, we could see great benefits in our lives. Simple pleasures have the power to rejuvenate our minds, restore our energy, and improve our overall well-being.
Here’s a list of fun, inexpensive ways you can indulge in simple pleasures to boost your health and happiness—with or without your kids in tow.
1. Open the Windows
The simple act of opening the windows to your home can make you feel happier and healthier. In fact, even just cracking the windows slightly, can do wonders for your mind and body. It’s the perfect pick-me-up.
Letting fresh air and sunlight in brings peace and comfort into our homes, and uplifts us when we’re feeling stressed and sluggish. Opening the windows can also be a great mood booster for stay-at-home or work-from-home moms who spend a great deal of time indoors. A fresh breeze, along with the sounds of nature filling your home can make even the most mundane moments inside seem more exciting.
2. Listen to Live Music
Music provides a great mental escape and allows us to truly be ourselves in the moment. The pleasure effect of live musical performances can give you a natural energy boost, along with several other benefits—such as promoting social interaction, happiness, and self-expression.
No matter what genre of music you’re into, this is a simple pleasure most people can appreciate. It’s also budget-friendly. You can likely find talented musicians performing at your favorite restaurants, coffeehouses, public parks, and some of your city’s finest venues—at little to no cost to you.
3. Wander Through a Bookstore
This is one of those activities that can be enjoyed any time of year. And it’s a simple pleasure that I find to be very therapeutic. Reading is a great brain exercise, and a cheap form of entertainment. My personal favorites include cookbooks and self-help books.
Even if you don’t plan to purchase your findings, you can simply enjoy the thrill of browsing at your favorite bookstore—or the library. For a sweet bonus, consider following it up with a trip to the ice cream shop, where you can indulge in a sweet treat.
Source: @catkieun via #sharetheeverymom
4. DIY At-Home Spa
Treat yourself to a good old-fashioned spa day. Instead of paying for a professional spa treatment out and about, recreate a soothing spa in the comfort of your own home. Not only is having a spa day super fun, but it’s also a wonderful way to slow down and de-stress. If you have a child who loves brushing hair or painting nails, let them treat you.
What I love about a do-it-yourself spa is that it can be as lavish or as simple as you want it to be. For me, a true spa day consists of an oversized robe (because they’re the comfiest!), tea cookies, a eucalyptus mint foot soak, and a calm-down playlist to relax my mind.
5. Breakfast Outing Before Work
You may have to wake up a little earlier for this one, but it will be totally worth it. Dine in at a smoothie or bagel shop, or visit a small-town cafe before heading off to work.
A simple breakfast outing can be a nice way to switch up your normal routine, and to help you get mentally prepared for a busy day. You don’t need an extravagant feast or a fancy setting to have a pleasant outing. Just a few minutes of downtime, a delicious bite, and a change of scenery are more than enough to invite a little extra joy into your day. Or, like this dad below, take your kid with you for some special one-on-one quality time.
6. Budget-Friendly Retail Therapy
Did you know retail therapy can actually be beneficial to our health? Shopping can help fight feelings of sadness, provide mental relaxation, and increase feelings of joy and excitement.
New skincare products, accessories, notebooks for journaling, and cute kitchen gadgets are all smallish purchases that can provide feelings of pleasure and self-care. Try exploring some local small businesses or going to Target without a list. A budget-friendly shopping spree could be just the thing you need to recharge those internal batteries.
7. Volunteer
Helping others makes us happy, plain and simple. A volunteer project would be a memorable experience, and a great way to learn more about the needs in your community. Participating in an enjoyable charity can also help deepen your appreciation for life—and the lives of those around you.
Volunteering gives you a chance to make a difference, adopt new skillsets, meet new people, and have fun! Not only will this activity improve your life in many ways, but it would also benefit the lives of others too.
Source: @happilyhafsa
8. Surround Yourself With Fresh Flowers
If you’re in a cold weather climate this winter, a peaceful stroll through an indoor botanical garden can be a lovely (and warm!) way to unwind after a busy day. A trip to a garden is a wonderful way for us to literally stop and smell the roses. Alternatively, there’s always a reason to buy yourself flowers, so don’t forget to treat yourself on your next Trader Joe’s run.
9. Go to a Matinee Movie
A midday matinee is the perfect idea for a fun, relaxing afternoon. Going to the movies usually provides an enjoyable experience. Higher picture quality, delicious snacks, comfy loungers, and being in the presence of other people all add to the excitement.
Of course, you can watch movies at home, but your mind may be more prone to wander off, thinking about work or finishing up the tasks on your to-do list. However, when you go to a nice theater, you’re more likely to be fully present. Going to the movies will provide a great mental escape, allowing you to really soak up every moment of enjoyment.
10. Sit Alone in Your Car
Of all the suggestions on this list, this is the one I favor the most. Sitting alone in your car may not sound like a lot of fun when you first think about it, but for me, it provides pure enjoyment and relaxation. It’s an ideal form of self-care. Sometimes I enjoy peaceful moments in my driveway, and sometimes I sit in the parking lot when I’m out running errands or getting early to the school pick-up line.
When I’m having alone time in my car, I feel like there are no pressures or judgments coming from the outside world. I can literally do whatever it is that fulfills me in the moment. I feel free. Our minds and bodies need silence to regenerate. And sitting alone in your car offers just that—blissful silence. You can use that time to reflect on life, tune into your inner thoughts, read, write, or simply embrace the art of doing nothing at all.
