Stop and Savor Life's Moments

SAVORING SLOWS THE HEDONIC TREADMILL

Many of us lead busy lives, leaving little time to appreciate the everyday experiences we encounter. We may not realize the importance of taking a moment to stop and savor life's moments, no matter how small. By taking a step back to reflect on our accomplishments and experiences, we can increase our positivity, gratitude, and overall happiness. Additionally, savoring allows us to counter our tendency to find less pleasure in the everyday things once they are no longer new or exciting, known as the hedonic treadmill effect.

SAVORING INCREASES HAPPINESS

According to a study by Kiken, Lundberg, and Fredrickson (2017), savoring the moment is a predictor of positive emotions and psychological health. When we savor an experience, we aim to prolong and increase the happiness and pleasure we felt from that moment. Savoring can be done with past, present, or future experiences, and can take different forms such as something we are grateful for, something that inspires awe, something we are proud of, or something that brings physical pleasure.

SAVOR THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

So, let's take a moment to savor something that makes us feel good or brings a smile to our face. Whether it's reflecting on a past achievement, enjoying the beauty of nature, or looking forward to an upcoming event, savoring the little things can make the ordinary extraordinary. How will you practice savoring today?