50 best simple pleasures that make life worth living

Who cares if picking up change on the footpath actually brings you good luck? At the very least you’ll be one cent richer and the earth will have one less piece of litter. It’s a win/win. Head here to find out the origins of superstitions and lucky charms.

Ideally we’d all bake our own bread and enjoy the heady scent in our homes. But if you don’t have time to craft artisan loaves yourself (and who does, really?), a stroll by a bakery will let you smell the warm, yeasty aroma will no baking required.

Old memories often fade into the background like old Polaroids. But it’s important to preserve the past and sometimes all you need to jog your memory is a glance through an old photo album. All the old feelings, smells, sights, sounds, and family will come rushing back, helping you remember that you are as much your past as you are your potential.

Uno, Monopoly, Yahtzee and checkers probably aren’t on the top of your favourite pastimes list anymore but kids still love the simple games. Play a round with a child and not only will you make their day but you’ll remember why they’re so much fun in the first place.

Remember when shoes were little foot prisons your parents made you wear, back before they were fashion accessories or status symbols? There’s a reason kids are always so quick to ditch their shoes! Shed your footwear and walk through the park, feeling the grass, sand, and concrete under your feet. It’s a whole new experience.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Check your phone, if you’re like most people. Instead, try taking a deep breath and doing a full-body stretch. It just feels so good. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Spread your ribs. Lengthen your neck. Feel every part of you wake up. And then check your phone. If you must. Meanwhile, here are four soothing yoga poses to help you sleep.

Some secrets are made for sharing. Things like what’s for dessert, something kind someone else said, a surprise party invitation, or a simple “I love you” take on a whole new level of fun when shared in a conspiratorial matter.

The smell of the new paper, the raw potential of all those empty lines and the unmarked cover of a new notebook is the physical manifestation of possibility and hope. Or maybe it’s just the physical manifestation of reminders and to-do lists. Either way it’s fun to have clean, new pages.

In our world of instant gratification, hypercolours, noise and manufactured tastes, planting a seed and going through the slow, non-technological process of nourishing it and watching it grow is almost an act of rebellion. Flower, fruit, bush or vegetable – it doesn’t matter so long as you’re getting some dirt under your fingernails.

Meditating on your blessings is one of the surest ways to feel better about your life, stat. It can be easy to forget everything we have when faced with an endless supply of things we want so be grateful for the good things. Bonus: Science says being grateful improves your health and your relationships. Find out more about the power of gratitude here.