Savoring Practice #1
Everyday Savoring Duration: Variable Frequency: Daily Level of Difficulty: Easy Overview: The practice of savoring has been linked to many benefits, including lower rates of
depression and anxiety, and higher rates of optimism, joy, happiness, and well-being. However, most of us find that our minds are constantly fixated on stress and worry, and that it’s difficult to be fully present with life’s joys. There’s good reason for this, including our brain’s “negativity bias,” which refers to the fact that negative experiences have a much more powerful impact on us (and linger with us longer) than positive ones. Savoring is one of the best ways to begin overcoming this negativity bias, and the best place to begin savoring is in our everyday activities that we would normally breeze through on autopilot. This practice invites you to savor one activity each day, and approach it in a new way.
Instructions: In our everyday lives, we often jump from one thing to the next without slowing down or
stopping to “smell the roses.” Take a moment and reflect on your day-to-day life. Do you notice yourself constantly rushing around, not pausing long enough to appreciate the small stuff? Consider the various activities you engage in each day that, if approached in a different manner, could become sources of greater pleasure. Examples might include: • • • •
Drinking your morning coffee Taking a shower Cuddling with your dog or cat Eating a meal
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Washing the dishes Smelling a candle Having a moment of connection with a loved one
What sorts of activities do you tend to rush through that might provide an opportunity for savoring? 1.
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Copyright © 2018 Jonah Paquette, The Happiness Toolbox. All Rights Reserved
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