7 powerful habits to help you find joy in simple things

In a world that’s constantly rushing forward, it’s easy to overlook the small joys that make life truly fulfilling.

We often think happiness comes from big achievements or grand experiences, but the truth is, joy often hides in the little things—moments we tend to take for granted.

Finding joy in life’s simple pleasures isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about shifting your mindset. 

It’s about noticing the beauty in the ordinary, savoring the present, and creating habits that help you see the world with fresh eyes.

If you’re ready to embrace more happiness in your day-to-day life, these seven powerful habits will guide you to rediscover joy in the simplest of things.

1) Engaging in creative activities

There’s something magical about tapping into your creativity.

Whether you’re doodling on a scrap of paper, experimenting in the kitchen, or trying your hand at a DIY project, creative activities have a way of pulling you out of your routine and into the moment.

Think back to when you were a kid. Remember how exciting it was to build something with blocks or paint outside the lines? That same energy is still in you, waiting to be unleashed.

Maybe it’s writing a short story, learning a new dance move, or even rearranging your living room for a fresh vibe.

Creativity isn’t about the end result—it’s about the joy of making something that feels uniquely you. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be fun!

So, let loose and try something new. Don’t worry about whether it’s Instagram-worthy. Just enjoy the process of creating, and you’ll find that those simple moments can spark a lot of happiness.

Who knows? You might just discover a hidden talent along the way!

2) Embrace mindfulness

The world moves at a frenetic pace, and it’s easy to get swept up in the rush. But one of the key steps to finding joy in the simple things is to slow down and really observe the world around you.

This is where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, fully engaged with whatever you’re doing or experiencing.

It’s about savouring that first sip of coffee in the morning, or really listening to a friend when they’re talking to you. It’s about feeling the sun on your face, or noticing the smell of fresh bread as you walk past a bakery.

If you’re curious about diving deeper into mindfulness and how it can transform your perspective, I’ve written more about this in my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“.

It’s all about simple, practical ways to embrace the present and find joy in the everyday.

Because sometimes, happiness is right in front of you—you just have to pause and look for it.

3) Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right. The research on this is clear — gratitude is absolutely, undeniably linked to joy and happiness. 

For me, the simple practice of keeping a gratitude journal has been transformative.

Every night before bed, I write down three things I’m grateful for. They can be as small as a good cup of coffee or as significant as a loved one’s health.

This simple act of acknowledging the good in my life has helped me find joy in the ordinary.

Even on tough days, when it feels like there’s not much to be grateful for, I always manage to find something. It might just be that I had a warm bed to sleep in, or that I saw a beautiful sunset on my way home from work.

This habit of gratitude has helped me to appreciate the simple things in life more than I ever thought possible. It’s a habit I highly recommend.

4) Spend time in nature

There’s something about being in nature that helps us find peace and joy. The sound of birds chirping, the feel of grass under your feet, or the sight of a beautiful sunset can bring a sense of calm and happiness.

As the Mental Health Foundation puts it:

“Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.”

So make it a habit to take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or just sit outside for a few minutes each day. In doing so, you will not only improve your mindfulness skills but also find joy in the simple beauty of nature.

5) Unplug and disconnect

We live in a digital world. Smartphones, tablets, laptops – we’re always connected, always switched on.

But here’s the thing—being endlessly connected can make us feel more disconnected from the things that really matter.

Taking a step back from the digital noise can be incredibly freeing. Try turning off your phone for an hour, or even just putting it in another room while you enjoy a meal or go for a walk.

Notice how much more present you feel when you’re not distracted by a screen. You might find yourself appreciating the sound of birds chirping, the laughter of loved ones, or even just the peaceful silence.

Unplugging doesn’t have to mean a total tech detox—it’s about finding balance. It could be as simple as setting boundaries, like no phones during family dinners or turning off notifications during your downtime.

Disconnecting from the digital world allows you to reconnect with the physical one, and that’s where you’ll find the little joys that make life so meaningful.

6) Welcome discomfort

This might sound counter-intuitive, but sometimes the path to finding joy in simple things lies in embracing discomfort.

We often associate discomfort with negative feelings, but it can actually be a catalyst for growth and appreciation.

Think about it. When you push yourself to try a new activity or challenge your usual way of thinking, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

And while it may feel uncomfortable at first, it can lead to a deeper appreciation of simple joys.

For instance, try taking a cold shower in the morning. At first, it will be uncomfortable and you’ll probably want to rush to turn up the heat.

But stick with it and you’ll start to notice how invigorating it is, how it wakes you up and gets you ready for the day.

Embracing discomfort helps us to appreciate the simple things we often take for granted. So try stepping out of your comfort zone – you might just find joy where you least expect it.

7) Practice random acts of kindness

We often associate joy with receiving – receiving gifts, compliments, or positive experiences. But research shows that being kind benefits the doer, too.

Practicing random acts of kindness can bring a lot of happiness. It could be as simple as offering your seat to someone on the bus, paying for a stranger’s coffee, or leaving a positive note for someone to find.

Not only does it make the receiver’s day a little bit better, but it also gives you, the giver, a sense of purpose and connection. It’s a reminder that we have the power to spread positivity and joy in the world.

So why not give it a try? Make it a habit to do one random act of kindness each day. It’s a simple way to find joy in our everyday lives.

Final thoughts

Finding joy in the simple things isn’t about overhauling your life—it’s about shifting your perspective and creating habits that let you slow down, savor the moment, and reconnect with what really matters.

Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, embracing creativity, or taking time to unplug, these small changes can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.

In my book “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I delve deeper into many of these concepts. It’s a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to cultivate more joy and peace in their daily lives.

By letting go of distractions and focusing on what brings you genuine happiness, you’ll discover that the simple things are sometimes the most extraordinary.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch how these habits bring more lightness and joy into your life.