Live slowly and find joy in small and simple things

In modern society, many people often combine happiness and success with great goals. Advance your career, achieve high incomes, buy luxurious homes, and achieve social awareness. But the pressure from these “destinations” makes it easy to put stress, anxiety and even fatigue. 

Instead of chasing high expectations to live a life of balance and long-term happiness, psychologists believe that each person should learn how to find joy and meaning in simple, small but everyday sustainable.

When big goals become a burden

The goal is to motivate development, but if the goal is beyond competence or is related to social comparisons, it can be a burden. For example, young people may set a goal of buying a big city at age 30, but in reality, real estate prices are rising, and this goal is far away. That pressure can easily lead to feelings of anxiety, inferiority, or failure.

Psychological research has positively shown that happiness stems from evaluating everyday moments, not just from great achievements. If you focus too much on the future, people will easily miss valuable experiences right now.

The power of simple things

Joy does not necessarily come from overwhelming results. In fact, many people find the meaning of living from the smallest things. It’s a cozy meal with family, a morning walking under a tree, reading pages from your favorite book, or simply a sincere encouragement from a friend.

These moments help the mind relax and create a short-term sense of happiness, but are repeated regularly. In the long run, they create a solid mental foundation and help people overcome difficult stages.

Change the word “great” to “simple”

Psychologists encourage people to change the way they live:

• Focus on the present: Instead of worrying about your goals in 5-10 years, take note of what you can do today to bring joy.
• Setting small and medium-sized goals: For example, instead of “lossing 20kg per year,” start with the goal of “expercising 20 minutes a day.”
• Thanksgiving practice: Try to record three things you will appreciate in a day, such as “drinking delicious coffee” or “it’s cool and raining after the sunshine.”
• Share with relatives: Share with others doubles your joy. Funny stories, shared meals, or just a short call can also calm the soul.

The long-term meaning of mental health

Many stories of everyday life demonstrate the power of simplicity. Farmers can find happiness in caring for their gardens, but they feel that their income is sufficient even if they are not high. Or, instead of promoting competitive pressure, promote office workers and find joy in joining a reading club after work.

Recent research shows that people who often practice “mindfulness” and know how to enjoy the present moment at a higher level of life are less anxious and stressed than groups that focus on distant goals.

Finding joy in simple things is not about giving up on ambition. In contrast, this can be a long distance as it is a positive way to nourish energy. When spirits are nourished by small but continuous experience, people are more likely to become more patient, reduce the risk of fatigue, and achieve larger goals in a sustainable way.

Furthermore, peace from the pastoral thing helps maintain healthy social relationships, build resilience and feel more deeply about the meaning of life.

In a world where we always compare with heavy results, learning how to cherish the joy of simple things is a “medicine” that helps to soothe our soul. Sometimes, instead of chasing a big goal to prove your worth, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon, a hot tea, or a smile shared with your relatives. These are things that are sustainable energy and foster true happiness.