Nation reveals our top 50 ‘simple pleasures’ of life
Researchers polled 2,000 adults to determine all the little things that bring people joy. The research was commissioned by Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
The study found more than three in 10 adults simply named ‘cake’ as one of their favourite simple pleasures.
Going on a bike ride, meeting new people and wearing a new pair of socks for the first time all appeared in the top 50.
The satisfaction of a moment’s pleasure can last for upwards of 22 minutes on average.
However, half of those polled, via OnePoll, believe they don’t get to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures often enough for their liking.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World managing director Richard Hyde said: “Our list found many of life’s pleasures are ones often found on holiday such as seeing a stunning view, waking up to sunshine, taking long walks and discovering new places.
“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 it looks as though coronavirus restrictions are starting to slowly lift, we’re hoping people will be able to enjoy some of these pleasures at home and abroad before too much longer,” he added.
TOP 50 SIMPLE PLEASURES IN LIFE
1 Feeling of sun on your face
2 Sleeping in a freshly made bed
3 Stunning views
4 Waking up to sun
5 A nice dinner
6 Being in the countryside 7 Seeing flowers and trees blossom
8 Listening to your favourite songs
9 Making someone smile or laugh
10 Long walks
11 Going to the beach 12 Dining out
13 Hearing nothing but birds tweeting
14 Cake
15 Sleeping in a big incredibly comfy bed
16 Finding money in a purse/wallet you had forgotten about
17 Sitting in a pub beer garden
18 Having dinner made for you
19 A roaring fire
20 Getting a delivery in the post
21 Finishing a really good book
22 Watching your favourite movie
23 Discovering new places 24 Payday
25 Home cooking 26 Having a gossip or catch up with friends 27 Seeing a butterfly 28 Laughing out loud at a film
29 Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good
30 Receiving a compliment from a stranger
31 Sound of rain on the window
32 Getting a cuddle from
your children
33 Having a picnic 34 Sunbathing
35 Not having to set the alarm at the weekend or on a day off
36 People watching 37 Someone making you a cup of tea
38 Having a good hair day 39 Having a coffee/tea in bed
40 Staying in bed on a Sunday morning
41 Doing exercise 42 Discovering new food 43 Hearing the wind blow through the trees
44 Smell of toast in the morning
45 Seeing old people hold hands
46 Discovering new music 47 Buying fresh local food produce
48 Spotting a species of bird you’ve never seen before 49 Swimming outside 50 Donating to charity