SAVORING
With the hectic schedule and often frenetic pace of modern life, often we forget to 'stop and smell the roses.' Savoring involves appreciating the positive things in life and actively pursuing opportunities to enjoy them for as long as possible. By mindfully attending to the experience of pleasure you can enhance positive emotion, engagement and meaning.
There are a range of benefits when we prolong and intensify pleasurable events. So whether it's reading a book, planning a meal, admiring the sunset, or sharing good news - the idea is to linger, take it in, and savor the experience. In time it will become a habit that will deliver a range of benefits including:
There are a range of benefits when we prolong and intensify pleasurable events. So whether it's reading a book, planning a meal, admiring the sunset, or sharing good news - the idea is to linger, take it in, and savor the experience. In time it will become a habit that will deliver a range of benefits including:
|
Improvements in overall health and well-being
Positive feelings and emotions stimulate production of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This reduces stress and calms the nervous systems. Sends us on an upward spiral of happiness Savouring can lead to a cascading effect of positive emotions. By ruminating on the positive we can experience more positive emotions, sense of engagement and meaning. |
Assists us in making positive life choices
Savouring can often assist positive decision making and goal-setting. It can provide a clearer inventory and memory of what has worked well in the past, where we found pleasure and contentment. Experience lives of gratitude and appreciation Through the practise of gratitude you learn to savour and appreciate the special moments in life. This can enhance a greater appreciation for the variety of things and people you have in your life |
|
Fred Bryant and Joseph Veroff, leading researchers on the topic of savoring, show that those who regularly and frequently savor are happier, more optimistic and more satisfied with life.
Bryant breaks savoring into three parts where we can:
|
Everyday Steps1. Savor with others
2. Be Mindful 3. Focus on meaning 4. Sharpen your senses 5. Practice Gratitude 6. Challenge negative thoughts |
|
Savor with others
Sharing is a powerful way to savor. Whether it's sharing a meal, a joke, a walk, a secret or a hug. Slow down, focus on being with that person and share life together. Your children are craving to be with their dad! Be Mindful With your children, mindfully make choices about what you value and do together. Whenever possible avoid unnecessary distractions that will divert your attention from the present and time with your child. Focus on meaning As humans we often just do things, moving through unchallenged habits of life. Focus and celebrate the meaning of activities and practices that shape your daily life. If it has no meaning, replace it with something that does. |
Sharpen your senses
Remove the unproductive background 'noise' of life. Do you really need the TV on, the iPad out, the phone in your hand, the music playing? Switch on to natural interactions with your child and the world around you. Practice Gratitude Gratitude has powerful and transformative value that can increase levels of well-being, happiness, increased energy levels, optimism, empathy and overall resilience. Challenge negative thoughts This can be easier said than done but it's possible to challenge negative thoughts using cognitive, behavioral and emotional techniques. This can help boost resilience, ward of depression and assist with overall coping. |
References
 
Bryant, F & Veroff, J (2006)
Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience, New York: Psychology Press |
 
Christopher Peterson (2006)
A Primer in Positive Psychology, New York: Oxford University Press |
 
Robert A. Emmons (2013)
Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass |
Useful links |