Savouring
Savouring
Life can be challenging, and it can be hard to ‘look on the bright side’ while living in a fast-paced world and being bombarded by so much negative information and bad news. While adversity is part of our common humanity, it does not mean that there isn’t space for brighter things to happen. Intentionally focusing on positive events and prolonging positive feelings can hold back negative health outcomes and help overall wellbeing.
What is “Savouring” in Psychology?
It is attending, appreciating and enhancing positive experiences that occur in life. It entails an active behaviour and acknowledges the interaction between a person and their environment, with a focus on the experience of enjoyment and delight.
Although intimately related to pleasure, savouring is more about becoming aware of the experience of pleasure and basking in the positive emotions derived from that experience.
3 Types of Savouring
Savouring the past. For example, remembering funny moments from school with a friend.
Savouring the present or the moment. For instance, enjoying a new meal by drawing your attention to the flavours and smells.
Savouring or anticipating the future. For example, visualise the trip you have planned for this upcoming weekend.
7 Benefits of Savouring Life
Positive emotions can expand people’s thoughts and behaviours, promoting creativity, social connection, personal resources, and increased resilience.
It is important to note that the benefits of savouring derive from the process and personal experience of being present in this positive state of appreciation rather than from the actual event itself.
Some benefits of developing and using an increased savouring ability include the following:
Counterbalances the experience of unpleasant emotions during stressful events
Boosts happiness in people experiencing fewer daily positive events.
Contributes to higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and perceived control in adolescents and adults.
Contributes to decreased depressive symptoms in older adults.
Positively relates to higher levels of positive affect and life satisfaction.
Relational savouring, such as explicitly disclosing positive events to a partner, increases the quality of the relationship and self-esteem.
Helps people balance family and career responsibilities more effectively.