Savouring
In Concept Corner, I share constructs that pique my interest as I am engaging with professional literature related to positive psychology, giftedness, neurodiversity, well-being, emotional health… Posts will be updated as I dig deeper.
Savouring is all about noticing and soaking in the delight that comes from our interaction with our environment (Bryant and Veroff, 2007). It’s not about waiting for the big, life-changing moments; it’s about finding joy in the little things that happen every day.
And it’s not just about being in the moment - in fact, we can savour the past, as well as the future!
Reminiscent savouring is when you relive good times and the emotions that came with them, like flipping through an old photo album or laughing about a shared memory with a friend.
Experiential savouring happens in the moment; for example, really focusing on the flavour of your favourite meal or feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Anticipatory savouring is looking forward to something exciting, such as imagining the sights, sounds, and smells of your next vacation while you’re planning it.
Why might this matter?
The practice of savouring helps shift our attention away from life’s challenges and stressors, giving us more opportunities to experience joy, gratitude, and connection.
It also ties into Rick Hanson’s idea of “hardwiring happiness.” He explains that when we intentionally focus on positive moments, we help our brain build stronger neural pathways for resilience and wellbeing, counteracting its natural tendency to focus on the negative (negativity bias).
Resources to explore:
Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (2007). Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience. Psychology Press.
Hanson, R. (2013). Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence. Harmony Books.
Hurley, D. B., & Kwon, P. (2012). Results of a study to increase savoring the moment: Differential impact on positive and negative outcomes. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13(4), 579-588.
Quoidbach, J., Berry, E. V., Hansenne, M., & Mikolajczak, M. (2010).
Positive emotion regulation and well-being: Comparing the impact of savoring and dampening. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(5), 368-373.Smith, J. L., & Bryant, F. B. (2016). The benefits of savoring life: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17(1), 271-297.
