One of the perils of living in an always connected world is falling into the trap of thinking that our happiness rests on the latest technological marvel or gadget. That getting more Facebook "likes" will somehow make us more happy and successful.

     

This is far from true as anyone who has pursued those things will tell you - if they're being honest. 

    

Now the simple things in life, that's where real happiness lies. When you take the time to acknowledge them you can become almost instantly a more happier and less anxious person.

It should also be noted that the free things in life are the always the most important and the things which cost us money are generally ‘cheap’ and very easy to replace. For example, your healthy body and mind are given to you for free but many people do not exercise and maintain them. Family and friends are free and provide you with love and support but sometimes we can take them for granted and neglect the relationships which we need the most. Our senses are responsible for allowing us to enjoy all the world around us has to offer, but again we take these for granted. We tend to take all of these free and amazing gifts for granted until they diminish or we lose them. On the other hand all the material things we desire and strive for will never bring us the happiness we assume they will. A new luxury car or a bigger house with extra bedrooms will give us some joy and may make us feel successful, temporarily. The latest smartphone laptop or television may make us feel excited for a short period of time. However over time we will get used to all of these things and we will start looking at bigger, better or newer models. We are also prone to comparing our assets with other peoples and when doing this we will always compare to things we think are better. This will never bring long term happiness and will never give us a sense of real satisfaction or success. Instead it is better to appreciate the things we already have and to realise that material possessions may be enjoyable, but the free and simple things in life is where our true happiness is found.

     

Here's a few of the simple things I'm grateful for every day. Are any of your favourites on the list?

     

     

Yes, laughter is the best medicine. And please understand, this is not just a saying, it is very true! Each and every day there are opportunities to enjoy a good laugh all around us. This is a simple pleasure even babies get to enjoy! This may be one of the simplest pleasures, but it's also one of the best. When things are tough finding something to laugh about can break a downward emotional spiral and have you looking at the bright side of things again. Laugh loud and laugh often!

Spending time with family and friends is essential to maintaining happiness within your life. Human beings are social creatures and we need social interaction to maintain our mental health and happiness. Even introverts need some level of social activity, even if it is to a reduced level of activity than the rest of us. Saying that every body is different and we will feel differently at different times in our lives. No matter what you are going through at any given time just remember that social interactions are very important. I have found over the years that when I have been busy working on my business's I sometimes withdraw from my social circles thinking that it is not important and that I am spending my time more productively by pursing my goals. However I have found time and time again that if I neglect my social life for too long I definitely notice the negative effects it has on my happiness and my energy. 

     

     

Dogs and cats can both be man's best friend. Did you know there's been studies that spending time playing with a dog or cat has even been shown to lower high blood pressure? If this doesn't prove my point nothing will! A dog or a cat are an important reminder to the simple pleasures of life and the joys of unconditional love. Give yours an extra treat today.    

 

     

It's hard to explain why connecting with nature can bring so many of us peace. For example watching a sunset can relax us and help us to unwind and destress from the days activities. Maybe it's a throwback to our days when humans lived closer to nature. Rather than rushing home to get dinner ready, why not take a minute to look outside and bask in nature's beauty. It's a simple joy we should all be happy to be able to witness again and again. Combine this with walking and also get the benefits from some light exercise too. 

From my own personal experience I have started connecting with nature a lot more over the last few years. A big way in which I do this is by doing gardening and spending time helping others in their gardens too. It has given me a new found love for plants and trees and I now notice so many beautiful sceneries which I would previously not have taken notice of while traveling around during my day to day life. And as this blog post is titled, it really is about enjoying the simple things in life and for me this is one of them that can really relax me and make me feel happy for simply being alive and living in such a beautiful world.

    

As I mentioned earlier in this article we can easily take our bodies for granted. However, if you do, then you should stop it right now! 

You should be massively grateful for what you have no matter what shape you are currently in, even if you have disabilities or you are not fully able bodied. Remember that many people are not as lucky as you are and would love to have the abilities and the health that you have. 

That being said you should also strive to maintain, and where possible you should try to improve your health and fitness. As the saying goes ‘use it or lose it’ and as far as health goes this is very true. Unfortunately most people do not worry about their health until there is a problem. Unfortunately it is all too common that by the time you start having health issues you may be in a position where it is very hard to turn things around. 

My advice is to look after your body and mind while they are healthy, that way they will look after you and provide you with a strong platform to live a healthy and happy life. You should always exercise your body and mind as much as possible. It will be your best investment for your long term future.

     

     

If you are the sort of person who surrounds yourself with chaos then a simple and cost free way you can remove some energy blockages and experience more happiness every day may be to simply unclutter your home, your working environment and any other location you spend a lot of time in. The serenity that comes with having a neat house or apartment - especially the bedroom is well worth having. An uncluttered living environment is also a quick way to help unclutter your mind and remove some of life's stresses more effectively. Why not give it a try?

Have a think about what simple things you have in your life that bring you joy day in day out. It could even be as simple as your morning coffee. That great morning companion that never lets you down and gives you that little harmless boost in the morning. Is that something to be enjoyed and relished?

If you take the time to enjoy the simple things in life more happiness is the end result. And after all that is what I want to help you and everybody else to achieve.

Check out my other blog posts to find more techniques and exercises to help you in your journey to achieve greater happiness.

Alternatively you can get in touch with me and see how I can help you personally and get you results fast like I have done with all my other clients.

I wish you all the happiness you can possibly get! Take care of yourself!