Give yourself a unique gift by learning to savor positive memories to cheer up and feel good when you're feeling blue. Savoring is the art of relishing and paying special attention to something enjoyable. Savoring is commonly used in relation to foods, but positive psychology research studies reveal there are benefits in learning to savor more than a good meal or tasty treat.
Cheer up Savoring
Studies show that savoring positive events is correlated with a greater sense of well being, greater happiness, and even better health. Some people are naturally better than others at appreciating positive events, but everyone can learn the art of savoring. The next time you're feeling a bit blue, cheer up by calling to mind a pleasant memory, finding something pleasing in your day, or anticipating something positive in your future.
Positive Psychology Research Results
Positive psychology researcher Fred B. Bryant has studied the art of savoring for twenty years. His latest book, Savoring, A New Model of Positive Experience, co-authored with Joseph Veroff, (Penguin Press, 2008) describes the art and science of savoring.
Bryant indicates people can savor in three time frames: reminiscing about the past, savoring the present moment, and anticipating the future. Most people are readily able to savor past positive events, but savoring in the present and future are more difficult for many.
In a recent interview with Suzie Pileggi (IPPA Newsletter, May, 2008), Bryant said "Engaging in all three temporal forms of savoring allows one more opportunity to find joy in positive experiences. People who feel more capable of savoring in all three temporal forms generally report higher subjective quality of life, compared to people who feel less capable."
Ways to Savor
In his book, Bryant describes ten ways to savor. Four of the very effective and useful means of savoring follow:
- One of the most effective ways to savor is to share positive events with others. A beautiful sunset, a striking rainbow, or a personal positive event is best enjoyed with someone else. Studies have shown that those with strong social networks are happiest; one factor is probably that they are able to savor positive events by sharing, as well as cope with negative events with the support of others.
- Another effective savoring method is to consciously build memories of positive events. Photographs and video recordings are one form of retaining reinforcing memories. One can also intentionally store mental images of positive events in anticipation of returning to relish them in the future. The intention to store a mental image also helps one to focus more clearly on the event, reinforcing the associated positive feelings.
- A third method of savoring is to practice self congratulations. This is difficult for many because of the cultural norm of humility. But one can quietly lavish praise on self in response to a personal achievement. Storing the good feelings of the achievement allows one to return and savor it in the future.
- Counting blessings, a fourth savoring method, is a recognized effective means of enhancing well being by focusing on the positive events of daily life. Gratitude exercises are a form of counting blessings. Combining a focus on blessings with savoring the good feelings associated with the blessing brings a double dose of benefit.
Savor the Good Times
Savoring the past, present, or anticipated future is a proven means of cheering up. Savor the good aspects of life each and every day for a greater sense of well being.
If you like this article you'll want to read HOW TO CHEER UP
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