BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
As the days become shorter and life seems to get busier, we’re all looking for ways to inject a bit more joy into our routines—especially during this particularly stressful election cycle. ‘Savoring’ is a simple yet effective way that is gaining favor in the area of mental health. Consider it a mental snapshot of life’s simple joys, such as a peaceful cup of coffee or the sun’s warmth on your skin. Experts like Meghan Watson, creator of Bloom Psychology & Wellness, define savoring as “attending to, appreciating, and extending your own positive emotional experience.” And the best part? You’re probably doing it without realizing it!
So, what exactly is savoring?
Savoring is the deliberate act of soaking in a wonderful experience and extending the joy it offers. It’s more than just “stopping to smell the roses”; it’s about making those roses the star of the show. Joseé Muldrew, founder of The Looking Glass, describes savoring as a way to “heighten and prolong experiences that generate more positive emotions, such as joy, gratitude, acceptance, pleasure, and love.”
For example, instead of hurrying through lunch at work, savoring would entail taking a few moments to genuinely enjoy your meal outside, taking in both the cuisine and the fresh air. It’s about focusing on the delight of the moment rather than allowing it to slip unnoticed through your fingers.
Why savoring is so much more than just positive vibes
You might be wondering, “Isn’t this just a fancy way to be all about positive vibes?” Well, not quite. While savoring emphasizes happy emotions, it does not ignore life’s difficult periods. According to Muldrew, savoring helps you develop resilience for when the going gets tough. “Taking the time to really savor and process positive experiences can help us cope with stress,” Muldrew explains. Instead of ignoring negative experiences, savoring offers you a mental toolkit for balancing life’s ups and downs.
And, unlike toxic positivity, which insists on a perpetual smile, savoring does not mean you start ignoring the difficult moments. It simply urges you to make time for delight, no matter how brief. Muldrew explains that it is more about “counterbalancing the negative experiences” than denying their existence.
A cure for perfectionism? Maybe!
Have you ever felt like you can only relax when you’ve completed your full to-do list? Or like you can’t have a glass of wine until the kids are fed, the dishes are done, and every sock is folded? Meghan Watson calls this the ‘perfectionism trap,’ and savoring may be the way out.
Savoring teaches you to discover joy in small moments, even if the rest of your day is stressful. Watson refers to it as an ‘anti-perfectionistic stance,’ which allows you to embrace what’s wonderful in the present right now rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.
How to start savoring: you’re probably already doing it!
Chances are, you’re already enjoying certain moments without realizing it. Have you ever paused in a conversation to tell a friend how much you are enjoying your time together? That is savoring! Ever taken a picture of a sunset because it’s that beautiful? You guessed it: savoring.
However, if you want to be more deliberate about it, here are some expert-approved tips:
Take a moment to absorb your environment while walking, such as the crunch of leaves or the warmth of the sun. Or, if you’re having a delicious dinner, try to concentrate on the flavors and the experience of eating.
Savoring the past:
Remember to cherish memories! Recall a happy memory, share it with a friend, or write about it in your notebook. In the words of Muldrew: “You’re extending the lifeline of that memory and giving it space in the present.”
Savoring the future:
Imagine happy experiences and outcomes. Muldrew recommends making a vision board or simply getting a mental snapshot of what success or bliss looks like. This allows you to create anticipation for wonderful things to come, rather than focusing solely on fear about the future.
Overcoming hurdles to savoring
Not everyone finds it simple to sit with pleasant emotions, and that’s completely normal. Savoring can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if they have had previous trauma or traumatic experiences that have made joy feel strange and unfamiliar. Watson admits that for some, “savoring pleasure is also painful.” If this sounds like you, don’t panic; you can still start small. Even taking a few seconds to savor a happy situation can help you become more relaxed over time. If you’re having trouble, go to a therapist who can help you through the process.
Everyone deserves joy
Savoring is fundamentally about one simple truth: “Everyone deserves joy in their life,” says Watson. So, why not allow yourself to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the good times, no matter how small? Whether it’s the first sip of your morning coffee or a hug from a loved one, such moments are worth cherishing—and they may even help you get through the rougher ones.
