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
1. Listening to your favorite songs
2. A nice dinner
3. Watching your favorite movie
4. Finishing a really good book
5. Doing exercise
6. Spotting a species of bird you’ve never seen before
7. Seeing flowers and trees blossom
8. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good
9. Home cooking
10. A match on Hinge (or other dating site) with someone you’re attracted to
11. Stunning views
12. Going to the beach
13. Not having to set the alarm at the weekend or on a day off
14. Getting a delivery in the mail
15. Dining out
16. Finding money you had forgotten about
17. Laughing out loud at a film
18. Having dinner made for you
19. Staying in bed on a Sunday morning
20. Making someone smile or laugh
21. Sound of rain on the window
22. Having a picnic
23. Hearing the wind blow through the trees
24. Being somewhere new
25. Sleeping in a freshly made bed
26. Receiving a compliment from a stranger
27. Swimming outside
28. Discovering new food
29. Feeling the sun on your face
30. Playing sport with friends or family
31. Waking up to sun
32. Donating to charity
33. Getting a cuddle from your children
34. Meeting new people
35. Buying fresh local food produce
36. Hearing nothing but birds tweeting
37. Payday
38. Cake
39. Having a coffee/tea in bed
40. People watching
41. Putting your out of office on as you head off on a vacation
42. Smell of toast in the morning
43. Spontaneous outings
44. Long walks
45. Playing a musical instrument
46. Sleeping in a big incredibly comfy bed
47. Wearing a new pair of socks for the first time
48. Having a gossip or catchup with friends
49. Being in the countryside
50. Seeing a butterfly
MORE: Americans Say They Are Thankful For ‘Little Joys’ More Than Ever These Days – Their Top 10 Favorites
RELATED: Surprising Percentage of People Feel Happier After Spontaneous Decisions
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One more. Sleeping on cotton bed sheets that have dried on an outdoor clothesline in the mountain air. OMG!