As the saying goes, “it’s the small things in life.” Most of life’s biggest joys come from such simple things. So if you’re having the best day, worst day, or something in between, here’s 15 things that can make your day better.

1. Beaches

Nothing gets better than the beach. The feeling of sand in between your toes, a soft breeze tickling your skin, and the shore brushing up against your legs are a few reasons why the ocean is the best place in the world.

2. Dogs.

Dogs are truly the greatest animals on the planet, and I’m not exactly sure what we did to deserve them. They are more loyal than most humans, and they can detect your emotions. Dogs somehow know when you’re having a rough day, and they comfort you by either licking you or snuggling up next to you. Just looking at their precious, innocent faces is enough to comfort me. Here's a few adorable dog GIFs for you to enjoy.

You're welcome.

3. Candles.

The actual definition of heaven is running into Yankee Candle and sniffing every candle in the entire store. And when I find a scent I love, I force other people to smell it by sticking the candle jar into their faces.

4. Chocolate.

Do I even need to explain this one? Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food, and it is beautiful in its every form: liquid, truffles, ice cream, bars, brownies, cake, fudge, cookies, and every other possible way it is incorporated into a food.

5. Thunderstorms.

As much as I love sunny, warm weather, the occasional thunderstorm is awesome. My family’s traditional thunderstorm celebration involves making warm chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk, then taking a long nap. One of the best ways to watch the progression of a storm is by sitting on a front porch in a sweatshirt with a blanket and a cup of tea.

6. The killer combo of a blanket and a book.

Again, I don’t think this one needs explaining, but snuggling up in a blanket with a warm cup of tea engaging in a good book on a lazy day is the best pastime. Thunderstorms help make this experience even better.

7. Coffee.

Coffee: aka the only reason I wake up in the morning. Honestly, I cannot fathom how people live without this stuff; it’s one of the few things in life I cannot live without. To say the least, I’m addicted to coffee, and I get a horrible headache if I don’t get my fix of it in the morning. Personally, I prefer my cup of joe with a drop or two of flavored cream. If you aren’t a coffee addict, you’re probably a healthier person, but you’re missing out.

8. Tans.

Not everyone enjoys getting sun kissed during the summer, but being ghostly pale in the winter, I love getting as dark as I possibly can. One of the most gratifying, satisfying, self accomplishing feelings in the world is pulling down your swimsuit and seeing a clear tan line.

9. A warm shower.

Showers can simply be defined as a relaxing chamber where your most creative thoughts are born. If I ever need a good idea, I always take a shower, and I come out clean and with the solution I needed before.

10. Mac ‘n cheese.

This glorious golden goodness goes perfectly with every meal. No matter what age, everybody loves mac ‘n cheese; it’s a classic food that never goes out of style.

11. Netflix.

It is the catalyst for procrastination, and the reason why I never get anything done. Why be productive when you can Netflix and chill?

12. Opening a brand new jar of peanut butter.

It’s such a relieving and satisfying feeling: sliding the lid, peeling the cover, and scooping and spreading out fresh, rich, and creamy peanut butter. It always tastes best when it’s first opened.

13. Disney movies.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to appreciate Disney films even more. They bring out major nostalgic feels. Honestly, I listen to Disney music more than other music.

14. Bonfires.

On a cool summer night with close friends, bonfires make everything perfect. Marshmallows are roasted, and it’s prime time to post pics because selfie lighting gets so much better.

15. Naps.

I am addicted to napping. Not as much during the summer because I sleep half the day away anyways, but during the school year, I take after-school naps almost daily. They're amazing. And before I get home from school I always tell myself, “No naps today. You have a lot of studying to do, and you’re gonna finish it early so you can sleep early.” But EVERY SINGLE TIME I ignore every task I need to do and sleep. Then I wake up, freak out because I have so much to do, finish all of my work, and go to bed late. I then wake up the next morning exhausted, telling myself I won’t nap again, BUT I NEVER LISTEN. IT’S AN ENDLESS CYCLE. One Friday I was so tired that I went to sleep at 5PM and woke up the next morning at 7AM. I have a serious problem.