Finding our ‘Simple Joys’: ‘ordinary’ moments that boost our mental health

Photo by Kent Pilcher via Unsplash

Big moments are wonderful, and connecting to and cherishing special memories of milestone events is an important source of joy and love in our lives.

But according to the growing evidence in neuroscience, everyday joy is what truly sustains us.

With life moving fast and stress always one scroll away, we often overlook the small, ordinary things that bring us calm, connection, and contentment.

Why ordinary 'simple joys' matter

Research in positive psychology shows that small pleasures—when noticed and appreciated—boost our overall wellbeing. And the more we notice and the longer we stay in that positive moment, the more we are 'hard-wiring' our brains for more of the same. Dr Rick Hanson calls it 'experience dependent neuroplasticity' , or 'growing the good in your brain.'

Early in our Positive Living Skills journey we met a wonderful man named Dr Terry Orlick, who devoted his life's work to helping others, and promoting the benefits of 'simple joys'. We greatly valued our connection with Terry and loved learning about his work, and through this connection key aspects of his extensive research informed some of the important foundational concepts within our educational programs.

So what are simply joys?

It’s the warm cup of coffee. The sound of birds outside. A good laugh with someone you trust. The breeze on your skin.

When we we start noticing these little things, we:

• Feel more grounded in the present

• Interrupt the stress cycle, and

• Build emotional resilience over time

How to Start Noticing Joy

1. Slow down, briefly. Pause for 10 seconds to really savour your morning drink, the feeling of sunlight, or the taste of a meal. Let yourself enjoy it fully.

2. Use your senses. Ask: What can I see, smell, feel, or hear right now that’s pleasant or calming? Anchoring in the senses brings you back to the moment.

3. Create a "joy list." Write down 10 small things that reliably bring you joy—like fresh sheets, music, or walking barefoot. Revisit it when you’re feeling low.

4. Share it. Talk about your ordinary joys with a friend or loved one. Sharing small good things often deepens connection.

We also love following the work of Terry's beautiful daughter Jewelia Orlick, who's own life journey led her to study and share her work as a certified meditation teacher.

To learn more and follow Jewelia's blog click here.

The ordinary simple joys available to almost all human beings on any given day form the foundation for a rich life. The more we train ourselves to notice and experience these moments, the more resilient, grateful, and mentally well we become.

Until next time,

The PLS team