An Ode to Savoring Happy Experiences
During the past few weeks, I have relied heavily on savoring happy memories to keep my quarantined self at ease. These memories––see a few below––have given me a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
Today, let’s explore what savoring happy experiences is and how to build this practice into our quarantine lives.
The Science
As it turns out, whether we actively participate in a happy experience or reflect on it, our brains reward us by releasing dopamine, the neurotransmitter closely associated with pleasure, attention, reward, motivation, and perseverance.
Dopamine makes us feel good, improves our brain function, helps us build resilience, and improves our emotional well-being. For more on happy chemicals, check out this HuffPost article and much more online.
Research shows that people who practice savoring happy memories and nostalgia are more likely to face the future with resilience, counteract the natural tendency to focus our attention on negative parts of their lives, and choose optimism. Let’s build the habit of celebrating our best moments.
The Process
Whether you choose a small moment or a big event, the process of savoring a happy experience is the same. I like to close my eyes, play a movie in my mind, and consider the following:
- Who I was with
- Where we were
- What we were doing
- How I felt then––and how I feel now
Take, for example, the memory of my nephew and me the last time I babysat him in New York. We were looking for a new activity to do and decided to make use of his dad’s office chair. We turned the chair into a vehicle and proceeded to roll around the apartment, laughing and smiling for almost 15 minutes.
Simply thinking about this memory uplifts me.
The Habits
- Journaling. Amplify your favorite memories by writing them down in a journal. During difficult times, re-read your entries.
- Sharing is caring. Gather (virtually) with people you love, perhaps family, friends, or work colleagues. Have each person think of and share an experience you all have had together.
- Reflecting with Music. Use reflection as a tool to dive deeper into a memory. Consider a live experience, for example watching a musical performance. Contemplate all that went into the performance–the composition, collaboration between musicians, live music-making, etc. Practice gratitude and appreciate the experience.
- Parenting. MindUP Lesson 12 provides a child-friendly approach to remembering a happy memory fully and mindfully. Check out the curriculum for school and home.
In unrelated news, I have seen some fun creative content on the internet recently — check out Carmina Burana Solfege Listening Map and “La Croix” choir on TikTok.
Safeness today and always,
Mika
