Learn How to Savor the Moment

Learn How to Savor the Moment Happiness Print Learn How to Savor the Moment By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on July 20, 2019  istockphoto More in Self-Improvement Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All Learning to savor the moment in life is a convenient, free, and effective way to increase your happiness and quality of life, and reduce stress. Enjoying what you have can help you to appreciate what youve got rather than lamenting what you dont have and creating stress by striving for too much. Being able to savor the moment with loved ones can bring a stronger connection and sense of appreciation, which leads to better quality relationships, and all the benefits of social support that they bring. Learn more about these techniques to savor the moment in life.? Focus on Details Sometimes as we go through life, we forget to stop and enjoy the little things; indeed, its possible to go through an entire day either stuck in your ruminations about the past or anxiety over the future, never really seizing the moment and noticing the pleasant things that are happening right now (and passing up positive opportunities right and left). As you savor the moment, notice the little things that can make a day special â€" the smile of a friend, the kindness of a stranger, the beauty of a sunset. Notice and enjoy whats around you, moment by moment, and its almost impossible to stress. Focus on Sensations As youre experiencing your day, notice and memorize the details â€" especially the positive details â€" of whats going on around you. Create a memory. Notice the sounds you hear, like the sound of childrens laughter in the background. Notice the smells, like the scent of a fresh sea breeze. And how did that wind feel on your face? Noticing these types of sensory details helps you live fully in the moment, and can help evoke pleasant memories when you hear music, smell aromas, or feel sensations you experience on the days that you want to savor. Focus on the Positive As humans, were naturally wired to notice the negative events in life more than the positive, as these are what we need to keep track of to maintain our safety: if were aware of threats around us, were more able to launch a defense. However, if we actively work to focus on the positive, we can stress less and enjoy life more from an increasingly optimistic vantage point. To savor the moment, notice whats going right, and appreciate it. This isnt the same as pretending youre happy when youre not; its more about noticing the things that lead to greater happiness and reduced stress. Express Gratitude Feeling gratitude goes along with noticing the positive, and is an excellent way to savor the moment. Notice all the nice things that people do for you (and thank them whenever possible), or simply notice what you enjoy about people when theyre just being themselves (and be sure to tell them that, too). Appreciate what goes right in your day as it happens, and write it down in a gratitude journal at night â€" its a surprisingly effective way to both raise your level of daily gratitude, and build a record of all the things in your life that can make you happy when youre having a bad day. Do What You Enjoy Life is meant to be enjoyed and savored as its lived. If you find yourself dreading Mondays or going through a full day (or week!) without experiencing anything you want to savor, be sure you add activities into your schedule that you enjoy (called gratifications), and savor them as youre doing them. You may feel you dont have time for fun, but consider how much extra energy and motivation youll get from pursuing hobbies and gratifications, and how that energy might help you with your regular responsibilities, and you may find a way to reset your priorities. Have fun, and savor your life! Tips Practice mindful eatingâ€"its a great way to maintain a healthy weight, enjoy your food, and practice meditation at the same time.Maintaining a gratitude journal can help you notice the positive during the day as you think about what youll be writing about that night. Learn more about how to maintain a gratitude journal.