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things that make me happy

110 Simple Things That Make Me Happy: Craft Your List to a Happier Life

One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself is create a list of things that make me happy. 

I wrote them down in my notes, so when I feel down, I will open the list and pick something that would lift my mood. Sometimes, it’s watching my favorite movies; other times, it’s going on a walk to my favorite coffee shop or completely shutting down my social media for the day.

We are all living a super busy life, working to achieve our goals and dreams, and during all of that, it’s important to slow down for a moment and appreciate the good things you already have. 

Today, I will share my top 110 things that make me happy to inspire you to create your own list of things that will make you feel better.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small moments matter: Happiness often comes from the little things in life.
  • Shift your focus: Paying attention to these moments is a great way to improve life satisfaction.
  • Create your happiness list: You will craft a uniquely fulfilling life by cherishing these small joys.

Table of Contents

How to Build Your Own List of Happy Things

Guess what? Good news, you’ve stumbled upon the right page.

To kickstart this journey, grab a notebook or maybe just your phone, and let’s jot down all the things, big or tiny, that add a little joy to your day. 

Notice how that first sip of coffee tastes on a lazy Sunday morning? Write it down. Felt a surge of joy from a compliment on a day you least expected it? That goes in your list, too.

I would recommend to carry this list everywhere you go. Why? Because happiness often visits us unexpectedly. Documenting these instances helps us pause, reflect, and savor the essence of joy, reminding us to cherish the myriad little things we experience in our lives.

The Role of Mental Health in Appreciating the Small Things

You know how, on those days when the sun decides to play hide and seek behind the clouds, you’re left feeling a tad gloomy inside? It’s like your mental state has its own weather system, directly influencing your ability to notice and appreciate the little joys scattered throughout your day. 

Acknowledging the link between our mental health and our capacity to feel happiness in the minutiae of our lives is crucial. 

It’s essential, really, when you stop to consider how a nourished mind is like fertile soil for planting seeds of joy.

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword or a luxury—it’s a necessity. It forms the bedrock of our mental wellbeing, helping us to cultivate a garden of positive outlooks and living a happy life.

Caring for our mental health enables us to weather the storms and stand firm against the gale-force winds of life’s challenges. It strengthens our resilience, allowing us to find solace in a good book on a bad day or the warmth of a friend’s smile amid tough times. 

In essence, nurturing our mental wellbeing brightens the colors of our world, making each tiny delight stand out like a beacon of happiness.

Simple Pleasures in Your Daily Routine

Let’s be real for a second — life’s daily grind can get pretty monotonous, right? 

You’re zipping from one task to the next, juggling your never-ending to-do list, and before you know it—bam!—the day’s over, and you’re crashing into bed, feeling like you’ve missed the memo on how to actually enjoy your day. But here’s a little secret I’ve stumbled upon: incorporating simple pleasures into your daily routine can genuinely flip the script on that narrative. 

So, how about we mix things up a bit?

  • Start with Your Morning Brew: Instead of guzzling that cup of coffee as you dash out the door, give yourself a hot minute to savor it. I mean, actually, sit down and taste every sip. It’s like a mini meditation session with a caffeine kick.
  • Bask in Your Commute: Got a playlist that never fails to put you in a good mood? Blast those tunes on your way to work. If you’re on public transport, dive into a good book. It’s about turning ‘lost’ time into ‘me’ time.
  • Choose Happiness on Your Lunch Break: Take your lunch outside and find a spot under the sky. Not only does it give you a vitamin D boost, but that change of scenery can also jump-start your creativity for the rest of the day.
  • End the day on a Note of Gratitude: Before you hit the pillow, jot down three things from your day that made you smile. It’s a game-changer in seeing the positive, even on days that seemed filled with everything but.

 

Trust me, it’s the little things that we do on the day-to-day basis that can lead to significant shifts in our happiness. Let’s start sprinkling a little joy throughout our day, shall we?

little things that make me happy

Here are 110 positive things that make me happy and that you can add to your list

Little Things for Mental Health (1-20):

  1. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a sunrise or sunset.
  2. Keep a gratitude jar for those daily simple joys.
  3. Practice mindful breathing during moments of stress to release negative emotions.
  4. Create a cozy reading nook for your favorite books.
  5. Indulge in a warm cup of tea during your daily routine.
  6. Cultivate a collection of uplifting quotes for tough times.
  7. Set aside time for a daily mental health check-in.
  8. Surround yourself with happy colors in your space and try to have a good sleep.
  9. Listen to a podcast that brings good vibes.
  10. Write down positive affirmations for a happier life.
  11. Treat yourself to a good hair day routine.
  12. Create a playlist of your all-time favorite songs.
  13. Take short breaks to stretch during your to-do list.
  14. Develop your own list of things that make you smile.
  15. Draw or doodle to express your thoughts on a bad day.
  16. Embrace the positive power of a good night’s sleep.
  17. Dance to your favorite tunes for happy hormones.
  18. Find joy in trying new things regularly.
  19. Celebrate the small wins on your journey.
  20. Curate a list of your favorite blogs for inspiration.

Small Things for a Happy Life (21-40):

  1. Enjoy the aroma of your favorite scented candles.
  2. Keep a happy moments journal for reflection.
  3. Create a “good things” playlist for tough times.
  4. Share a smile with a stranger for good vibes.
  5. Take a leisurely stroll to your happy place.
  6. Find satisfaction in completing a daily to-do list.
  7. Revel in the positive energy of good news.
  8. Take a spontaneous road trip for new experiences.
  9. Savor the taste of your favorite comfort food.
  10. Capture happy moments with a daily photo journal.
  11. Nurture your plants for a sense of accomplishment.
  12. Reconnect with old friends or extended family for good times.
  13. Discover joy in the simplicity of daily routines.
  14. Create a vision board for your happier life.
  15. Enjoy the tactile pleasure of a soft blanket.
  16. Surround yourself with positive people and experiences.
  17. Rediscover your favorite childhood activities.
  18. Take a break for a short time from screens for simple pleasures.
  19. Organize a virtual game night with loved ones.
  20. Engage in random acts of kindness for a happy community.

Good Things for Life Satisfaction (41-60):

  1. Watch a feel-good holiday movie for a positive boost.
  2. Write a letter to your future self with best wishes.
  3. Set goals for personal and professional growth.
  4. Design your own happy list for challenging days.
  5. Attend a live performance or show for new experiences.
  6. Create a vision board for your ideal life.
  7. Establish a morning routine for a positive start.
  8. Embrace the therapeutic benefits of a good cry.
  9. Seek out positive news sources for a happier outlook.
  10. Plan a weekend getaway to recharge.
  11. Invest time in your favorite hobbies for life satisfaction.
  12. Celebrate your achievements, big and small.
  13. Host a virtual party to connect with friends.
  14. Discover the joy of cooking a new recipe.
  15. Take pride in your own list of simple things.
  16. Practice gratitude for your favorite memories.
  17. Design a personalized self-care corner in your home.
  18. Create a vision board for your dream vacation.
  19. Share your favorite things with loved ones.
  20. Attend workshops to learn new skills for personal growth.

Favorite Ways for a Happier Life (61-80):

  1. Take a break from social media for mental clarity.
  2. Create a scrapbook of your happiest moments.
  3. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.
  4. Connect with loved ones through handwritten letters.
  5. Find joy in the little surprises life throws your way.
  6. Discover new favorite blogs for inspiration.
  7. Practice the art of saying “no” for a balanced life.
  8. Set boundaries to protect your own happy moments.
  9. Attend a virtual concert for good times.
  10. Reflect on your favorite ways to unwind.
  11. Spend quality time with pets for a happy heart.
  12. Experiment with a new workout routine for good health.
  13. Create a cozy space for your favorite activities.
  14. Explore your city like a tourist for new things.
  15. Find peace in a favorite meditation spot.
  16. Connect with loved ones through video calls.
  17. Learn a new language for mental stimulation.
  18. Share your happy moment of the day with a friend.
  19. Practice self-compassion during tough times.
  20. Create a personalized playlist for road trips.

Happy Things for Positive Living (81-110):

  1. Start a daily journal for positive reflections and document new ideas.
  2. Surround yourself with happy people if you can.
  3. Get a fresh haircut.
  4. Create a bucket list for life’s best experiences.
  5. Explore different genres for a good book list.
  6. Connect with nature through mindful walks.
  7. Embrace the power of positive visualization.
  8. Cultivate a sense of wonder for new perspectives.
  9. Attend a virtual art exhibit for cultural enrichment.
  10. Take a digital detox for mental rejuvenation.
  11. Find solace in your favorite cozy blanket.
  12. Participate in a virtual book club for good reads.
  13. Practice deep breathing during tough times.
  14. Create a “happy hour” playlist for relaxation.
  15. Engage in activities that bring you joy.
  16. Prioritize self-care rituals for positive living.
  17. Attend a motivational seminar for inspiration.
  18. Explore your favorite ways to unwind after a long day.
  19. Connect with others through shared positive experiences.
  20. Design your own happy place at home.
  21. Make a cup of hot chocolate
  22. Clean the house or organize your space
  23. Take a hot shower using your favorite products
  24. Open the window to get fresh air into your room
  25. Go on a tropical vacation
  26. Change you sheets to have a freshly made bed
  27. If it’s a sunny day, go outside and get some of that vitamin D
  28. Go on a bike ride
  29. Have a self care party
  30. Nourish your body with a healthy food 
things to make me happy

The Significance of Good Vibes

People say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. 

Imagine if those five people were sunlight, warming everything they touch. That’s the power of good vibes. Surrounding myself with positive influences has become a non-negotiable part of my happiness equation. It’s less about avoiding the negative and more about welcoming the positive into my life. 

From the music I listen to during my morning routine to the friends who fill my weekend plans with laughter and good conversation, I’ve noticed a significant lift in my spirits. And it’s not just people—it’s the places and activities too. Whether it’s a cozy corner of my home filled with plants and books or an evening walk in the park, immersing myself in environments that breathe positivity has been transformative. 

I encourage you to create your surroundings with intention. After all, happiness is contagious, and good vibes are a big part of the epidemic we all deserve to catch.

Finding Joy in the New and Unexpected

Let’s face it, sometimes the daily grind can feel like a tiresome loop. 

But guess what? I’ve discovered a little secret that keeps me sailing through the rough waters with a smile on my face—embracing the new and unexpected

You see, there’s this unmatched thrill in diving into something wholly unfamiliar, like taking a spontaneous road trip without a map or trying out that quirky cuisine from halfway across the globe. 

In these moments, we feel alive, sparking those happy hormones and adding joy to our day.

So, why not shake things up? Swap your predictable playlist for a genre you’ve never explored, or start your day with a sunrise yoga session instead of scrolling through your phone. Go on a long walk or take a long hot bath at the end of the night.  The beauty of life lies in its unpredictability, and once we open our hearts to the unknown, we unlock new ways towards happiness, leading to a life of surprises and newfound satisfaction.

Creating Happy Moments Through Creativity and Expression

Let me tell you, tapping into our own river of creativity is like opening a treasure chest of happy moments. 

Engaging in creative activities allows us to express ourselves in a way that’s uniquely our own, bringing a sense of fulfillment and joy that’s hard to replicate. Whether it’s doodling on a notepad during a lunch break, planting a colorful garden, or even cooking a new recipe with a twist of your own flavor, these acts of creativity spark those happy hormones, making us feel alive and connected to the moment.

The Importance of Reflection and Gratitude

I’m here to share a little secret that’s been a game-changer: the power of reflection and practicing gratitude. 

It’s like hitting the refresh button on your soul, making those simple things shine a little brighter.

Now, you might wonder, “How do I even start?” Well, it’s simpler than it sounds. Begin each morning by jotting down three things you’re grateful for in your gratitude journal. They can be as monumental as landing your dream job or as simple as the warm sun on your face. This small act shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance surrounding you. Before bed, reflect on your day. Celebrate your wins, learn from the losses, and find solace in the fact that tomorrow is a fresh start. Trust me, this habit nurtures a happier life and anchors you in the present, making each moment a little bit sweeter.

Conclusion

Let’s take a moment, you and I, to pause and reflect.

We need to understand that happiness isn’t a box to tick off or a peak to scale—it’s more like a river that flows endlessly, sometimes quietly, other times roaring with life, but always, always moving.

As we continue this journey together toward happiness, remember, it’s the seeking that counts. The recognition of little things, the acknowledgment of simple pleasures, and the celebration of small victories. 

What are some of things you do that make you happy? Leave a comment below.

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