Want to make someone’s day? It may be as simple as playing them their favorite song, or pointing out a newly blossoming tree to them.
2,000 Americans revealed in a poll that their top simple pleasure is hearing music they love. Seeing flowers bloom also made it into the nation’s top ten simple joys.
Others pleasures include sleeping in a freshly made bed, the feeling of the sun on your face, and going to the beach. Being somewhere new, watching a cherished movie, and seeing stunning views all feature too.
Those surveyed enjoy an average of eight moments of simple pleasure each week, about one a day. The satisfaction of a moment’s pleasure can last for upwards of 20 minutes on average, although 11 percent get a glow for up to an hour.
The research was commissioned by Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which also commissioned poet Laurie Bolger to come up with a piece on life’s simple pleasures.
The wordsmith said: “I wanted my poem to remind people about the feeling you get when you are able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.”
“But on the other hand, I also wanted to highlight that the reason some of these things are so enjoyable is because they are a break from the norm.” Bolger added. “Feeling the sun on my face is definitely one of my favorite simple pleasures in life, and I’m glad the survey reflected that, and that we’re starting to see brighter weather too.”
THE TOP 50 SIMPLE PLEASURES IN LIFE
- Listening to your favorite songs
- A nice dinner
- Watching your favorite movie
- Finishing a really good book
- Doing exercise
- Spotting a species of bird you’ve never seen before
- Seeing flowers and trees blossom
- Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good
- Home cooking
- A match on Hinge (or other dating site) with someone you’re attracted to
- Stunning views
- Going to the beach
- Not having to set the alarm at the weekend or on a day off
- Getting a delivery in the mail
- Dining out
- Finding money you had forgotten about
- Laughing out loud at a film
- Having dinner made for you
- Staying in bed on a Sunday morning
- Making someone smile or laugh
- Sound of rain on the window
- Having a picnic
- Hearing the wind blow through the trees
- Being somewhere new
- Sleeping in a freshly made bed
- Receiving a compliment from a stranger
- Swimming outside
- Discovering new food
- Feeling the sun on your face
- Playing sport with friends or family
- Waking up to sun
- Donating to charity
- Getting a cuddle from your children
- Meeting new people
- Buying fresh local food produce
- Hearing nothing but birds tweeting
- Payday
- Cake
- Having a coffee/tea in bed
- People watching
- Putting your out of office on as you head off on a vacation
- Smell of toast in the morning
- Spontaneous outings
- Long walks
- Playing a musical instrument
- Sleeping in a big incredibly comfy bed
- Wearing a new pair of socks for the first time
- Having a gossip or catchup with friends
- Being in the countryside
- Seeing a butterfly
