36 Life’s Little Moments That Only Prove That Happiness Doesn’t Have To Be Grand

In this collection, based on a recent thread from the AskReddit community, several thousand people from all over the world tell us what simple pleasure brings them joy, no matter how many times they experience it.

As it turns out, it can be literally anything - from coffee or tea to the feeling of fresh bed linen or twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep. The main thing is that it brings people pleasure on a regular basis.

Why have small joys become such a popular trend in recent years? Perhaps the main reason is the instability of the world around us, and people's uncertainty about the future. More precisely, the uncertainty that tomorrow will be at least good. This was influenced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing political and economic conflicts around the world.

As a result, people of different generations aren't sure about their well-being tomorrow. For example, this survey of American millennials showed that 74% of respondents are stressed about managing their personal finances. In general, younger generations tend to believe (and sometimes not without reason) that their financial situation is worse than that of their parents.

So if there is stress, and there's no way to get rid of it once and for all, then it's worth trying to at least reduce its impact on us with the help of various kinds of small joys. Small purchases or gifts, unusual treats for loved ones or for just ourselves, or even finding pleasure in our daily routine.

In other words, anything that gives us a dopamine hit reduces stress levels and helps reassure us that life is actually really cool and enjoyable. Some might call it self-delusion, but it really works.

"In fact, the level of stress in the world, no matter how much it seems like our society is literally on the verge of collapse, is largely due to the fact that today we know much more about what is happening around the world than we did a couple of decades ago," says Valery Bolgan, a historian and editor in chief of the Intent news agency from Ukraine, whom Bored Panda asked for a comment here.

"News about all sorts of bad events, unfortunately, often have a more viral nature - that's just the way people are, and as a result, we get caught in a real avalanche of bad news from all over the world. As a result, it seems that everything around us is really bad - and at least something is needed to compensate for this stress."

"Something similar happened a quarter of a century ago, when, against the backdrop of an economic recession, sales of lipstick and cosmetics increased, paradoxically. People simply wanted to treat themselves, well, to some 'affordable luxury.' This effect went down in history as the 'lipstick index.' And today's 'little joys culture' is actually another manifestation of the same social effect," Valery Bolgan summarizes.

On the other hand, the ability to find positive aspects in everyday things, to enjoy life in even its most insignificant manifestations, is a great thing when it seems that the whole world has gone crazy. Another additional ray of light in the approaching darkness... Please forgive me for such poetic comparisons - I just obviously need another cup of coffee!

Well, now that the invigorating aroma of the drink has touched my receptors and pleases me with its wonderful appearance and scent, I believe it's time to invite you all to read this list to the very end, and also share your own little life joys in the comments below this post. And if you, like me, love coffee, then why not indulge yourself with another cup?