Just the word savor makes my mouth water. I think of savoring regarding delicious food in a lovely setting when my taste buds, my sense of touch with the texture of the food and the environment are all lovely. However this is just the beginning of how we can savor.
Taking the time to savor adds to your happiness when looking at the future, the present and the past. It provides an opportunity to experience the joy – whether it is anticipated, like a future night out, while you’re in it – that delicious meal with friends, and again when you remember the situation or event.
Working as a chiropractor or as a nurse, sometimes you’re so busy with doing and caring for others that you don’t take the time to appreciate what is present. Additionally, there are the times when concerns for patients or interactions from the day or week interfere with your ability to savor the fun activities you’re involved in outside of work. This is a symptom of burn-out.
So here are a few ideas of how you can savor more and increase your well-being.
- Mindful moments – when thinking about the future imagine the good times associated with your plans and reveries; take moments during the day to notice and appreciate what is present; take moments to think about events which you enjoyed in the past.
- Mini-Vacation – your 60 second get-away. Rub your hands together until they are warm then place them over your eyes. Take 3 slow deep intentional breaths and then imagine yourself in a place that is relaxing and enjoyable; engage all your senses, what do you see there, what are the sounds, the smells, even tastes perhaps; take 3 more slow deep breaths with yourself in this place. When you’re ready drop your hands and come back.
- Scrap book and photos whether in an actual album or just on your phone, take a few moments to look at photos of places and experiences where and when you were energized. You may be surprised by their power to bring a smile to your face.
For more ways to engage in savoring and activities that increase your happiness and vitality, contact me.
Be Well, Dina 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
Let us know how you use savoring in your life.
