7 things 98% of people take for granted about life, says psychology

Have you ever paused to consider all the things you’re surrounded by daily—things that, without even realizing it, you might be taking for granted?

You know what I mean: The joy of a good meal, the comfort of a warm bed, the beauty of nature around us, and the fact that we exist, right here, right now.

The truth is, most of us rarely do. According to psychology, a staggering 98% of people take these elements of life for granted.

We move through life on autopilot, assuming that what we have today will always be there tomorrow. But it’s this very mindset that often blinds us to some of the most profound and valuable parts of life.

In this article, I’m shedding light on these ‘7 things about life that 98% of people take for granted’. My hope is that after reading this, you’ll start to see and appreciate the beauty in the ‘ordinary’ aspects of your daily life.

1) The gift of health

For most of us, the importance of good health only really hits home when we’re faced with illness or injury.

When I was younger, I took my health for granted. I didn’t eat well, barely exercised and thought sleep was for the weak. But in recent years, I’ve come to appreciate the value of physical well-being.

You see, good health isn’t just about being free from disease. It’s about feeling energetic, sleeping well and having the physical ability to do the things you love.

Yet, astonishingly, 98% of people overlook this precious gift until it’s compromised.

So take a moment each day to appreciate your body and its capabilities:

• Eat nourishing food
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Ensure you’re getting enough rest

Recognize good health for the blessing it is – something that enhances every other aspect of our lives.

2) The power of human connection

In my early adult life, I was a bit of a loner. I enjoyed my own company, and thought I didn’t need anyone else to feel fulfilled.

But over time, I realized that I was missing out on one of the most beautiful aspects of life – human connection.

So I started to value my relationships more – from my close friendships to the casual banter with my local barista. And it made a massive difference to my overall happiness and contentment.

It’s easy to take our relationships for granted, especially in this age of digital communication. But psychology tells us that human connection is vital for our mental wellbeing.

So let’s appreciate the people around us and the joy they bring into our lives.

3) The beauty of nature

Growing up in the city, I was surrounded by concrete and skyscrapers. Nature was something I only saw on TV or during the occasional family holiday.

It wasn’t until I moved to a small town, surrounded by lush green fields and towering trees, that I truly appreciated the beauty of nature.

I remember the first time I took a walk through a nearby forest. The way the sunlight filtered through the leaves, the sound of birds chirping, the smell of fresh earth – it was nothing short of magical.

Now, I make it a point to spend time in nature every day. Whether it’s a quick walk in the park or a weekend hike, these moments ground me and remind me of my place in this vast universe.

According to psychology, spending time in nature can reduce stress, increase happiness and improve cognitive function. Yet, so many of us take it for granted.

Let’s not forget to appreciate the natural world around us – it’s one of the most precious gifts we have.

4) The significance of a good night’s sleep

Like many people, I used to devalue sleep. I thought staying up late and getting up early was a sign of dedication and hard work.

But over time, I began to see the toll it was taking on my physical health and mental clarity.

A study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that during sleep, your brain works to remove toxic proteins from its neurons that are by-products of neural activity when you’re awake.

Unfortunately, your brain can remove them inadequately when you’re not getting enough sleep – which is why we often feel “foggy” after a poor night’s sleep.

Once I started prioritizing sleep – ensuring I got a solid 8 hours each night – my life changed. I felt more alert, more energetic, and even more optimistic.

Despite its importance, many people undervalue sleep. They sacrifice it for work, socializing or binge-watching TV shows.

But as the study shows, sleep isn’t just about rest – it’s about giving your brain the chance to cleanse and renew itself.

5) The joy of learning

When I was a student, I saw learning as a chore. Homework, exams, and assignments felt like burdens rather than opportunities for growth.

It was only after I left school and started Hack Spirit that I discovered the true joy of learning.

Learning doesn’t have to be about grades or competition. It’s about expanding your horizons, understanding the world better, and improving yourself.

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9 traits of people who regularly make plans only to cancel them at the last minute, according to psychology

Whether it’s picking up a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or understanding human psychology, every bit of knowledge enriches us.

Today, I make it a point to learn something new every day – no matter how small. It could be a word in a foreign language or a fact about ancient history.

Yet, many people stop seeking knowledge once they leave formal education. They get caught up in the routine of life and forget the thrill of learning something new.

6) The value of time

In my early career, I was always rushing – rushing to work, rushing to meet deadlines, rushing to social events. I was so focused on getting things done that I forgot to savor the moment.

When I started studying Buddhism and mindfulness, I realized that I was wasting my time on things that didn’t truly matter to me, and in the process, I was missing out on so much beauty around me.

Now, I try to make every moment count. Whether I’m writing an article for Hack Spirit or spending time with loved ones, I try to be fully present.

Time is one thing we can never get back, yet many of us are guilty of squandering it on things that don’t enrich our lives. So let’s cherish our time and use it wisely.

7) The comfort of routine

For a long time, I thought routine was the enemy of excitement. I craved spontaneity and adventure, and resisted any form of structure or predictability.

But over time, I realized there’s a certain comfort and stability that comes from routine. Knowing what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it can relieve stress and give you a sense of control over your life.

That doesn’t mean every day has to be identical. But having a rough plan – like when you’ll wake up, when you’ll work, when you’ll exercise – can actually free up mental energy for more creative pursuits.

However, many people resist routine, viewing it as restrictive or boring. But if used correctly, it can be a powerful tool for personal growth.

So here’s a practical tip: Start small by creating a simple morning or evening routine. Stick to it for at least 30 days and observe the changes. You might be surprised at how comforting a little predictability can be.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, so much of what we take for granted in life is what truly matters most. By recognizing and valuing these overlooked aspects now, we can live with greater appreciation, joy, and depth.

Life is fleeting, and the things we assume will always be there can change in an instant.

So take a moment to pause, breathe, and acknowledge the blessings around you—the people, the experiences, and even the challenges that shape you.

Gratitude is a habit, one that opens us to the beauty and richness of each moment. Embrace it, and watch how life transforms. Because when we no longer take things for granted, we find ourselves living a life that feels fuller, deeper, and more aligned with what truly matters.