Life can often feel like a race – rushing from one thing to the next, with hardly a moment to breathe. Finding joy in simplicity is about stepping off that hectic treadmill for a while. It’s about slowing down and savouring the little moments that we usually overlook. In an increasingly complex world, embracing a simpler life can be a refreshing pathway to more peace and fulfilment. This week, let’s chat about how to find joy in everyday moments and create space for this joy by simplifying our routines and surroundings.
The Beauty of Simple Moments
There’s a special kind of happiness in life’s small pleasures. It might be the comfort of a warm cup of tea in the morning, a leisurely walk in your favourite area, or spending quality time laughing with loved ones in the evening. These moments may seem ordinary, but they are deeply meaningful. Small, everyday moments often provide more happiness than big events or expensive purchases. From the warmth of that morning tea to a kind smile from a stranger, these little things can significantly boost our mood.
One of the biggest sources of joy is connecting with people we care about. Sharing a meal with family, phoning an old friend, or playing with your kids can light you up inside more than any gadget or shopping spree. In fact, studies have found that strong relationships contribute far more to long-term happiness than material wealth or success. A famous 75-year Harvard study on adult development concluded that close relationships — not money or fame — are what keep people happiest throughout their lives. So, the next time you have a chance to chat and laugh with a good friend or hug a loved one, remember that these simple moments are essentially the “good stuff” of life.
Slowing Down to Appreciate Life
Finding joy in simplicity also means intentionally slowing down in our day-to-day life. When we rush through the day on autopilot, we tend to miss the little joyful details around us. Have you ever driven the same route a hundred times, only to notice a beautiful tree or stunning house for the first time when you walked or cycled that way instead? When we move slower and pay attention, the world seems to open up. As one person wisely noted, “Being slow…has been an extraordinary experience. I have seen so much more, just by being able to stop, look and absorb.”. In other words, when we slow down, we become more present – we notice the colours of the sky at sunset, the aroma of that tea, or the sound of birds outside the window.
Psychologists say that rushing often creates stress, while slowing down brings mindfulness and connection. When you’re not in a hurry, you’re able to fully engage with right now. Try doing one thing at a time, and give it your full attention. If you’re taking that walk in the park, really notice the greenery and feel the breeze on your face. If you’re having dinner, maybe put the phone aside and appreciate the flavours of the food or the conversation with your loved one. You’ll find that by being present, even simple activities become richer and more enjoyable. Interestingly, living more slowly and mindfully can even make it feel like you have more time, because you’re truly there for each moment instead of letting them all blur together.
Simple Practices to Create Space for Joy
Simplicity isn’t just a nice idea – it’s something we can practice in daily life. By simplifying our routines and environments, we free up time and energy for what really makes us happy. Here are a few practical, actionable ways to foster simplicity and carve out space for joy:
- Declutter Your Space: Choose one small area (a desk, a shelf, or one room corner) and spend 10 minutes tidying it up or clearing out unnecessary stuff. A cluttered environment can add to our stress – a recent study found that people living in messy, cluttered homes had higher levels of stress and anxiety. Creating a cleaner, calmer space will help your mind feel more at ease. Plus, owning less and organising what you have means less time spent cleaning and searching, and more time for meaningful activities you enjoy.
- Single-Task (Reduce Multitasking): Multitasking might sound efficient, but in reality it often leaves us frazzled and less productive. Trying to do too many things at once — like checking notifications while also watching TV and folding laundry — usually means we do none of them with full attention. Psychologists have found that juggling tasks can make you up to 40% less efficient, and it increases mistakes and stress levels too. Give yourself permission to do just one thing at a time. For instance, when you’re eating lunch, just savour your meal (no devices). When you play with your kids or talk to your loved ones, focus only on that moment. You may be surprised how much more relaxed and accomplished you feel when you “uni-task.”
- Unplug For A Bit Each Day: Our digital devices and constant notifications pull us in many directions. Try setting aside a short time each day to disconnect from technology – even 15 or 30 minutes. Use that break to enjoy a simple pleasure fully. You could step outside for some fresh air, enjoy a cup of tea without any screens, or have an uninterrupted conversation with your loved ones. This kind of mindful pause helps you reconnect with the world around you. By reducing the background noise of multitasking and digital distractions, you’ll find it easier to appreciate the here and now (which is where joy lives!).
- Simplify Your Schedule: Take a look at your day or week and see if there’s anything non-essential you can say “no” to. It’s tempting to fill every hour with obligations or social events, but an overpacked schedule can leave you too exhausted to enjoy any of it. Try to leave a little breathing room between tasks or meetings. For example, instead of scheduling back-to-back calls or errands, block out a 15-minute buffer here and there to simply relax or do nothing. Giving yourself some downtime isn’t lazy – it’s restorative. With a bit of free space in your day, you might spontaneously go for that walk at sunset or play a game with your kids, and those unscripted moments often bring a lot of joy.
Finding Simple Joys in Every Season
Late July highlights how simplicity can be enjoyed in different seasonal contexts around the world. Whether you’re basking in summer or cuddling up in winter, there are unique little pleasures to appreciate. Here’s how you can cherish the season, no matter where you live:
- Northern Hemisphere (Mid-Summer): It’s the heart of summer, so embrace the warmth and longer days. Enjoy simple outdoor activities – for example, take an evening stroll to enjoy the late sunset colours, or sit on the patio with a cold glass of fruit juice or iced tea. You might listen to the birds in the morning or feel the grass under your bare feet in the yard. Summer offers natural joys like fresh seasonal fruits (biting into a juicy watermelon or a ripe mango can be pure delight) and lazy afternoons where you allow yourself to just daydream in the shade. Slowing down to enjoy these summer moments will make the season feel extra special.
- South Africa (Wintertime): In South Africa (and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere), late July means the middle of winter. This season has its own cosy brand of simplicity. Take the opportunity to create warmth and comfort: curl up on the couch with a soft blanket and a good book, sip a hot cup of rooibos tea or hot chocolate, and enjoy the simple comfort of a toasty drink on a cold evening. If you have a fireplace or heater, you can make a little ritual of unwinding in its glow. Winter days are shorter, but you can still catch moments of beauty – maybe a chilly morning walk when the air is fresh, or stepping outside at noon to feel the gentle warmth of the winter sun on your face. Even something like cooking a hearty meal or listening to the rain patter outside can be wonderfully soothing when you do it mindfully. By embracing these winter pleasures, you’ll find that the colder months have a special kind of quiet joy.
Embrace the Simple Joys (Your Action Plan)
In the end, finding joy in simplicity comes down to a simple mindset: slow down and be present. The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t require any expensive purchases or elaborate plans. Joy is already around you in the little things. You just have to give yourself the time and space to notice it.
I encourage you to try one or two of the suggestions above. Maybe start by decluttering your bedside drawer or kitchen counter – then reward yourself by relaxing with a cup of tea. Or challenge yourself to go one evening without multitasking. Focus only on one leisure activity, like actually watching that movie without also scrolling on your phone. Pay attention to how you feel afterwards. Chances are you’ll experience more calm, connection, and delight in those moments.
Remember, life is made up of all these small moments. When we appreciate life’s simple pleasures, we often realise we already have so much to be joyful about. So wherever you are – enjoying the sunshine of summer or the cosiness of winter – take a moment to slow down. Breathe deeply, look around, and find one simple thing that makes you smile. Take it in fully. These are the moments that truly enrich our lives, and by cherishing them, we create a more fulfilling, joyful life. Enjoy the simplicity!