Australians have revealed the top 50 ‘simple pleasures’ in life – including sleeping in a freshly made bed, going to the beach – and long walks.
Researchers polled 1,000 adults to determine all the little things that bring joy but don’t have to break the bank.
Travelling across the state, discovering new places, and stunning views all feature in the list.
Other favourites include receiving a compliment from a stranger, listening to favourite songs and having a good hair day.
The research was commissioned by Small Luxury Hotels of the World [https://slh.com/
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.
“Feeling the sun on my face is definitely one of my favourite simple pleasures in life, and I’m glad the survey reflected that – and that we’re starting to see brighter weather too.”
The study also found 31 per cent of adults simply named ‘cake’ as one of their favourite small pleasures, while a quarter enjoy catching up with friends.
More than a third enjoy seeing flowers and trees blossom, and 31 per cent enjoy exercise enough to put it on their list.
Hearing birds chirping, finishing a really good book – and waking up to sun all appeared in the top 50.
And those polled enjoy an average of seven moments of simple pleasure each week – around once a day, with the satisfaction of a moment’s pleasure can last for upwards of 31 minutes on average, although a fifth get a glow for an hour or more.
However, more than half of those polled, via OnePoll, believe they don’t get to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures often enough for their liking, while 41 per cent feel don’t have enough time in their day-to-day to take advantage of small pleasures as much as they should.
Almost a third said work commitments are a major hindrance, while 19 per cent said being a parent
has left them with less time to enjoy simple pleasures although they appreciate it more when they do.
Mark Wong, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World added: “Our list found many of life’s pleasures are the ones often found on holiday, such as seeing a stunning view, discovering new places, taking long walks or visiting the beach.
“It’s on our travels that we’re able to experience an abundance of life’s simple pleasures which have a longer lasting effect on us.
Now that travel bubbles are starting to materialize, we are optimistic that people will be able to safely enjoy some of these simple pleasures abroad before too much longer.”
THE TOP 50 SIMPLE PLEASURES IN LIFE:
Listening to your favourite songs
Sleeping in a freshly made bed
Making someone smile or laugh
A nice dinner
Payday
Sleeping in a big incredibly comfy bed
Sound of rain on the window
Stunning views
Watching your favourite movie
Going to the beach
Having dinner made for you
Finding money in a purse/wallet you had forgotten about
Dining out
Discovering new places
Getting a delivery in the post
Home cooking
Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good
Staying in bed on a Sunday morning
Feeling of sun on your face
Receiving a compliment from a stranger
Having a gossip or catchup with friends
Laughing out loud at a film
Not having to set the alarm at the weekend or on a day off
Seeing flowers and trees blossom
Long walks
Having a picnic
Waking up to sun
Travelling across the state
Cake
Doing exercise
Discovering new food
Getting a cuddle from your children
Discovering new music
Seeing old people hold hands
Seeing a butterfly
A roaring fire
Having a good hair day
Buying fresh local food produce
Finishing a really good book
Swimming outside
Having a coffee/tea in bed
Someone making you a cup of tea
Hearing nothing but birds chirping
Smell of toast in the morning
Hearing the wind blow through the trees
Meeting new people
Sitting in a pub garden
Playing sport with friends or family
Donating to charity
Spontaneous mid-week dinners
SEEK SIMPLICITY – BY LAURIE BOLGER
Do you remember?
When every part of us
Longed to wander –
Born movers
We know life isn’t long enough
To stay in the same place.
Science has proved our lust for adventure
Is built in –
So why not surrender to it?
Seeking a place
With arms outstretched –
Learning each brick by name
Discovering new spaces with heart –
Those simple things that pull us in each time
Breathing out
Drinking in.
Do you remember when we chatted into the night
Then so in awe of the lights
We couldn’t say anything –
Do you remember wandering
When it was more than we imagined –
Full of life and sky and taking our time
Do you remember
When our stories weren’t box shaped
How it all tasted. When we decided to be inspired –
When it was more than an artificial cocktail.
A lukewarm pool. Remember when
The small never seemed more beautiful.
Remember when we realised we could have it all –
All those little bits we’ve missed.
When we took life’s ever-changing invitation
Picked up our feet
Said come on
Let’s do it
Let’s run.
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