8 ways to really enjoy the little things

Encouraging yourself to enjoy the little things in life is psychotherapy that enriches your life, improves mental health and limits dangerous diseases. Here are 8 ways to really enjoy the little things every day.

You may have heard the advice “enjoy the little things in life” to the point where it almost makes no sense. But research shows that this little phrase has some big benefits behind it. A 2012 study linked higher appreciation to increased life satisfaction rather than personality traits, gratitude, and demographic factors like gender, age, and ethnicity. .
Taking the time to appreciate even the smallest pleasures life has to offer can promote satisfaction even when things don't go as planned. You may feel a bit sad when you're single, especially when your friends start to get married or have kids. But you can feel great joy when you wake up in your perfect bed in a quiet house.
The pursuit of these good vibes can even improve your health. The positive emotions you experience when enjoying the little joys in life can help:
Improve heart health; Strengthens the immune system; Pain relief and stress relief; Have a longer life.

Waking up early in the morning also doesn't mean you have to rush through your morning. Treat these 15 minutes as a gift to yourself to start your day with contentment and calm. The world often feels different in the morning, so step outside or stand near an open window for your favorite morning drink. Instead of focusing on the negatives like the dingy apartment complex or the trash can in your neighbor's yard, focus on the positives. Maybe it's the friendly cat, the chilly morning air, or the last streaks of dawn in the brilliant sky.

Walking is a simple way to step out of your usual space and find joy in the natural world. Walking can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions by boosting mood instantly like sunlight and fresh air. It can also spark curiosity and creativity when you notice birds and plants that you have never seen before.

Research from 2020 shows that household gardening, especially vegetable gardening can improve mental health. Watering a plant and watching it grow into a flowering or fruiting plant can be incredibly rewarding. If your tree produces something edible you can enjoy your fruits again. Also, according to the results of a 2007 study, healthy bacteria that live in dirt can help increase serotonin production in your brain. Serotonin can help relieve low mood or anxiety and make it easier to enjoy your gardening session.

The voice of a loved one is a small pleasure that many people tend to overlook. So try taking 10 or 15 minutes out of your day to call a friend or family member. Hearing them laugh or tell a story can bring you joy in a different way that a voiceless message can't.
6. Bake something People often rush into the act of eating, but food can bring a lot of joy to your daily life. Baking is one of the ways to make your kitchen a happier place. Not only does baking make a delicious treat, but it can also help soothe anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health symptoms.
7. Read a book If you enjoy reading, you're probably familiar with the joy of being captivated by a new story. Reading can inspire and distract you from your worries.
According to a 2013 survey by Booktrust, a UK charity that promotes reading, people who read regularly tend to:
Have more satisfied lives; Report a higher level of happiness; Believe their life is worthwhile. Audiobooks provide a great alternative to physical books if you can't make a habit of reading regularly for whatever reason.

The stars are pretty big things, not small things. However, taking a few minutes in the evening to step outside and look up is a small act that can create feelings of awe and joy.
According to a 2014 study exploring the benefits of nighttime nature activities, stargazers regularly report positive emotions such as relaxation, wonder, and connection with nature.
In short, the joyful moments you have each day increase, creating satisfaction and contentment through the little things. So you should encourage yourself to enjoy the little things in life as a pleasure, this is psychotherapy that makes your life richer.

Reference sources: healthline.com, liveboldandbloom.com