When’s the last time you stopped to smell the roses or enjoy the simple things in life?
If you’re like most people, you’re a probably a little too busy rushing around. There’s housework, actual work, keeping your kids entertained, meeting with friends and colleagues, or running your business, to be concerned about.
But where’s the fun in that?
I’m a big believer in stepping back to enjoy the simple things in life, and as a bonus, the simple things are often free.
If your budget is a little tight, but you need some quality time away from the everyday hustle and bustle, don’t despair.
You can save money and still enjoy all life has to offer. How? Here’s a list of 6 simple things to enjoy in life, and most of them you can enjoy right now!
1. Sleeping and Relaxing
Sleeping is such a simple thing – so simple, we might it for granted…until we wake up after three hours of sleep, grumpy and in need of coffee.
I’m willing to bet most people enjoy sleeping in on the weekends or during vacation. Even going to sleep after an exhausting day is nice.
Let’s not even mention the luxury of napping. 
We spend quite a lot of our lives in bed. We might as well take the time to enjoy it.
Relaxing goes along with sleeping. Both are good for your health and both are necessary aspects of self-care. Even if you’re a workaholic, you need to sleep and rest at some point.
There are plenty of ways to relax without spending a cent. Curl up on the couch with a good book and some coffee or tea; lay out in the sun by a pool; go for a walk around your town.
Prioritize relaxing and sleeping – your body will thank you.
2. Good Company
Even as an introvert, I have to admit there’s value in having a nice time with family or friends. You might need to recharge afterwards, but simply gathering around with your loved ones can be a great time.
Some of my favorite family memories are from Sunday’s at my grandma’s house. Sunday is pasta day in my family, and my grandma loves to cook. There’s nothing better than a free home-cooked meal and getting to hear my relatives tell amusing and embarrassing stories about each other from back in the day.
Similarly, my friends are always capable of making a good time from nothing. Whether it’s relaxing in a backyard around a bonfire, playing a board game, or having random conversations, there’s always fun to be had.
Hanging around people that make you laugh is definitely high on my list of simple things to enjoy in life!
3. Furry Company
Okay, pets aren’t free, but their presence shouldn’t be taken for granted, either.
It’s been documented that cats and dogs enhance people’s lives. Petting a cat or a dog is therapeutic and calming, and I can personally attest to that.
My cats love taking over the bed on a weekend morning. Heck, one of my cats was pretty much sleeping on my head today. I love seeing them happy and adorable, and they love the attention. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
While I would love to get a dog, we don’t really have the space. However, playing and walking with dogs is quite fun. Playing with any pet can result in some hilarious moments as evidenced by thousands of YouTube videos.
4. Cuddling
You can always cuddle with your furry friend, but I’m talking about cuddling with your significant other here.
Sometimes, there’s absolutely nothing better than being together in silence, but still feeling connected. Cuddling is perfect for that.
Physical intimacy is pretty darn simple when it comes down to it, but once you’ve been together for a while, and are busy with kids or work, it’s something that can get lost in the mix.
Take some moments to reconnect with your spouse. You’ll both appreciate feeling the love.
5. Music
Music is yet another simple thing that can be enjoyed by almost everyone. If I’m not writing, I almost always have music playing at home.
It can invoke many different feelings. Music is great when you need motivation, when you need to feel inspired, when you need to relax, or even when you need to have a good cry.
Music has a way of being able to transport us to another place, and I also have fun singing along. If I’m feeling down, music is my go-to solution. I don’t know what I’d do without it!
6. Cooking and Eating
Last, but certainly not least, cooking and eating are simple joys we get to experience on a daily basis, but rarely fully appreciate.
I’m not sure about you, but I don’t often get excited about cooking. Getting to the end result is nice, but the journey of preparation isn’t amazing.
If you’re like me, it’s time to change that (or pass the cooking duties along to someone else). Rushing around the kitchen just for the sake of getting to eat isn’t fun, but you can use a few things from this list to turn it into a better time!
First, if you like to get your groove on, turn up some music in the kitchen. Put together a playlist of feel-good tunes you can dance around to, and feel free to sing while you prep.
You could also recruit some help. Ask your kids, friends, family, or significant other to come over and join in. Baking by your lonesome can be pretty boring, but baking with other people can be tons of fun.
If you’re cooking a meal for you and your special someone, turn meal prep into part of the date.
By doing this, you’re actually turning cooking into a fun experience, and you might come to enjoy it.
On the other side of the equation – remember to actually enjoy your food, don’t inhale it. Eating slower is better for digestion!
Back to Basics
As you can see, most of these simple joys revolve around things we already do or have access to. It’s just a matter of taking the time out of our day to be in the present and immerse ourselves in them.
Next time you get to sleep in, relax, cuddle, spend time with friends and family, or cook, savor it. Be thankful for these little things, and you’ll find life becomes more enjoyable without spending anything extra.
What are the simple things in life you enjoy the most? Do you think the simple, free things in life outweigh the things you have to pay for? What’s your favorite way to relax?
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