The Joy of Simple Tasks

I feel like people focus too much on achieving big, great things. Major accomplishments, sky-high goals, these are the things people like hearing about. However, I feel like we should place more emphasis on the happiness of completing simple tasks. Especially when you’re in college, learning how to be an adult, trying to focus on a hundred things at once, doing small things can be very good for you. For your consideration, I have compiled a list on some of the simple tasks I find satisfying, and that bring me happiness.

Cleaning my room– just living in a nice, organized space is satisfying. Having a little room of my own, where I know where everything is, feels nice.

Taking a shower– even though it feels like a lot of effort to get in and out, showers are important. Good for keeping you clean. They also feel really nice and warm (unless you take cold showers for some reason) and once I get out and get dressed, I feel 100% ready to do productive things.

Creating a schedule– especially when you’re in college. Not only is creating a schedule helpful to my daily life, but it makes me feel like a competent grown-up person taking care of myself. It’s so nice to look at the Google Calendar I’ve created and know what’s going on.

Driving somewhere– I personally just love the feeling of getting in the car. No matter where I’m driving, it’s nice to just sit alone in the driver’s seat, buckle in, turn the keys, blast some music, and drive off down the road. Especially if it’s in the summer and your windows are down. Especially if you drive on the highway. Especially if you’re going to have fun somewhere. But even in the middle of winter on a country road on the way to work, I enjoy driving.

Buying food– even just going to the store feels nice. But walking among shelves of food, picking out things that you want and need, then purchasing them, is wonderful. It’s just a little thing that feels so productive and adult-like, and satisfying. Bonus, I get to drive there!

Eating a meal I cooked– the act of cooking in itself is enjoyable. But then, sitting down to eat what you just spent time making is wonderful. Especially if the food tastes good. Even if it leaves something to be desired, you can look at the food in front of you and think “hey, I made this. I’m learning how to cook, I’m self sufficient.” If it tastes good, then even better.

Going to sleep– pretty self explanatory. Lying down in a comfortable bed at the end of a long day is satisfying and relaxing. Especially if it’s your bed, in your newly clean room, after a productive day of working and a delicious meal you made. Either way, getting in bed just makes the whole day worth it, so you can look forward to the next day.

These are some, but not all, of the small and simple tasks that I really enjoy doing. In times when everything is crazy, it’s important to find happiness in the little things.