What is Savoring? Ten Strategies to Boost positive Emotions!
There’s a lot of information out there about coping with triggers and managing negative emotions, but what about actively increasing happiness and well-being? That’s where savoring comes in.
Savoring is the intentional practice of fully engaging in and amplifying positive emotions. It’s about prolonging, intensifying, and deeply appreciating the good moments in life—whether they’re happening now, happened in the past, or are something you’re looking forward to in the future.
Why Does Savoring Matter?
Research shows that savoring strengthens relationships, boosts mental and physical health, and enhances problem-solving skills. It also increases positive emotions, deepens gratitude, fosters mindfulness, and brings greater meaning to life.
But here’s the thing: not everyone naturally savors. Some people instinctively amplify positive emotions, while others unknowingly dampen them—often leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or even symptoms of depression.
The good news? Savoring is a skill you can develop. Research has identified proven strategies to help you harness more joy, and I’m sharing 10 of them below.
10 Strategies to Boost Positive Emotions
1. Share the Good (a.k.a. “Capitalizing”)
Celebrate joyful moments by sharing them with others. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a personal win, or just a moment of peace, telling someone about it reinforces the positive experience and strengthens your connection with them.
2. Build Meaningful Memories
Pause and consciously store special moments—whether it’s a loved one’s laughter or the way sunlight filters through the trees. Take mental snapshots or even real ones to relive later.
3. Congratulate Yourself
Acknowledge your hard work and successes. Take a moment to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished—big or small.
4. Compare for Perspective
Remind yourself how far you’ve come. Comparing a positive moment to a tougher time can highlight how good things actually are and deepen your appreciation.
5. Tune Into Your Senses
Engage your senses to intensify pleasure—notice the warmth of the sun on your skin, the taste of a delicious meal, or the sound of laughter. The more present you are, the richer the experience.
6. Get Fully Absorbed (Find Your “Flow”)
Let yourself be completely immersed in enjoyable experiences—whether it's music, art, or a hobby. The more you lose track of time, the deeper your sense of joy.
7. Express Joy
Smiling, laughing, or even physically celebrating (like a fist pump or happy dance) enhances positive feelings. Let your body show your joy!
8. Embrace the Fleeting Nature of Life
Remind yourself that moments are temporary—which makes them even more precious. Savoring bittersweetness can make experiences more meaningful.
9. Avoid Negative Thought Traps
Be mindful of self-doubt, overanalyzing, or mentally fast-forwarding to potential problems. These habits kill joy before it even has a chance to take root.
10. Practice Gratitude
Actively appreciate what’s good in your life. Studies show that verbalizing gratitude—out loud or in writing—amplifies positive emotions even more.
Final Thoughts
Savoring doesn’t take much effort, but it can make a huge difference in your emotional well-being. These strategies are simple, but powerful.
Which one will you try first? Let me know!
