As much as it depresses us to admit, life isn’t always full of grand adventures. In fact, a lot of our time is spent doing what might seem like “boring” stuff: the laundry, the dishes, commuting, paying bills, grocery shopping. It’s easy to overlook these mundane tasks and wish we could be doing something more exciting or fulfilling. The thing is, when you learn to find joy in the everyday, even the most seemingly boring things can become meaningful.
Finding joy in the small stuff doesn’t mean you need to trick yourself into pretending it’s fun. It’s about changing your perspective a bit and appreciating the simple things. If you’re looking for some ways to find joy in the “boring” bits of life—and why it’s worth it—here you go.
Flip your focus from task to intent.
Rather than thinking of chores like washing dishes or folding laundry as a “to-do,” try focusing on the intention behind them. Doing laundry is a way to take care of yourself and your family. Washing dishes means you’re nourishing your body with a meal. When you reframe everyday tasks with a sense of purpose, they stop feeling like chores and start feeling like acts of care.
Be more present in the moment.
The key to finding joy in the mundane is being present. It’s easy to let your mind wander while doing something like sweeping or making the bed, but if you focus on the small details—the motion of your hands, the sound of the broom against the floor, the smell of the fresh sheets—you might find there’s more to enjoy than you realise. Being fully present turns ordinary moments into little pleasures.
Appreciate the little wins, too.
We tend to focus on the big victories—the promotions, the holidays, the milestones. But what about the smaller wins? Getting through a stack of laundry, finishing a book, or even just making it through a long workday without losing your cool are all worth celebrating. Every little accomplishment deserves recognition, and taking a moment to appreciate them can help you find joy in the small stuff.
Add music or a podcast to the mix.
Turning mundane items on your to-do list into something enjoyable can be as simple as adding a bit of entertainment to the equation. Put on your favourite playlist, listen to an audiobook, or catch up on a podcast while you’re doing the dishes. By combining something you enjoy with something you don’t, you’ll find that the “boring” stuff becomes a bit more exciting.
Turn it into a ritual.
Rituals have a way of making even the most ordinary things like errands or work projects feel special. You can turn making your morning coffee into a calming routine, or light a candle before you start tidying up. Creating rituals out of everyday tasks gives you a sense of comfort and consistency, and you may even begin to look forward to these moments of peace.
Engage your senses.
Another way to find joy in the everyday is by really engaging your senses. Notice the texture of the clothes as you fold them, the sound of rain tapping on your window while you’re working, the aroma of fresh fruit while you prep your lunch. Focusing on sensory experiences can make even the simplest things feel richer and more enjoyable.
Embrace the “mindless” aspects.
Everything you do doesn’t need to be an intellectual challenge or deeply meaningful. Sometimes, the beauty of doing something “boring” is in how it allows you to switch off and clear your mind. Sweeping the floor, washing the car, or sorting through old papers can be a chance to let your mind wander. These moments of “mindlessness” can actually be relaxing and restorative, even if it doesn’t seem that way at first.
Find satisfaction in simplicity.
One of the best ways to appreciate the small things is to see the beauty in simplicity. Instead of looking for excitement or thrills, take pleasure in the calm and quiet. A peaceful morning cup of tea, the act of sitting down to a simple meal, or even just a few minutes of uninterrupted time can all bring contentment. Finding joy in simplicity helps you appreciate the present moment, no matter how “boring” it may seem.
Use your imagination.
Sometimes, the key to making something boring more enjoyable is to let your imagination roam. What could you pretend as you do the dishes? Maybe you’re on a cooking show or acting as the captain of a ship cleaning the decks. Imagination turns a chore into a game, and the more fun you make it, the less it’ll feel like work.
Celebrate the tiniest moments of connection.
Some of the most meaningful moments in life come from the simplest exchanges. A quick chat with a neighbour while you’re watering your plants, a smile from the cashier while you’re checking out, or even a short conversation with your partner as you do the laundry together—all of these are moments of connection. Recognising and appreciating these small interactions can make even the most routine chores and must-dos feel warmer and more enjoyable.
11. Turn it into a learning opportunity.
If you can, try to use the “boring” tasks to learn something new. Maybe it’s learning how to be more efficient in your cleaning routine or using your commute time to improve your language skills. Whatever it is, turning an otherwise dull task into an opportunity for personal growth adds purpose to the day and can make even the most boring stuff feel worthwhile.
Let go of the guilt you carry around.
There’s often a sense of guilt attached to “wasting time” on everyday tasks, as though we should always be doing something “productive” or “important.” But there’s value in taking care of the small stuff. You don’t have to be constantly moving forward or achieving big things to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, it’s in the “boring” moments that life’s true rhythm exists. Letting go of the guilt and embracing the present moment can help you find peace, even when you’re doing something seemingly mundane.
So, why does it matter?
Finding joy in the everyday stuff isn’t just about making your day a little bit more fun—it’s about shifting your perspective. It’s about learning to appreciate the small moments of life, recognising that even the “boring” stuff holds value. When you stop looking for joy in grand gestures and start finding it in the routine, you’ll find a deeper sense of contentment in your daily life.
By learning to embrace the small things, you open yourself up to a more peaceful, mindful existence. So the next time you’re folding laundry or waiting for your coffee to brew, take a moment to pause and appreciate the simple joys. They’re there—you just have to notice them.
