Sam, a mindfulness and social emotional learning teacher, discusses finding joy in anticipation. She shares tips on developing habits, savoring experiences, expressing joy, and reflecting on events to optimize happiness.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Anticipation of future events can bring happiness and joy up to three months before the event.
Sharing what you're looking forward to with others can double the joy of the experience.
Deep dives
The Joy of Anticipation
Anticipating future events can bring happiness and joy. Research shows that having something to look forward to can increase happiness up to three months before the event. This can include big things like trips abroad or smaller things like daily habits or rituals. Anticipation can be enhanced by letting go of expectations and being flexible and adaptable when the day comes. Additionally, sharing what you're looking forward to with others can double the joy.
Optimizing Happiness from Experiences
To optimize happiness from experiences, consider four factors: anticipation, savoring the experience, expressing excitement and joy with others, and reflecting back on the event. The planning process itself can bring joy and happiness, such as researching a travel destination or gathering inspiration for a party. Even if you can't travel, focus on the benefits you would get from travelling, like disconnecting from routine and experiencing new things. Remember to be fully present for others when they share their excitement and practice empathy and compassion.
Upcoming events can bring us joy because of the anticipation we feel. Today, find something small you're looking forward to, and savor the joy in that moment when it arrives.
Sam has taught mindfulness and social emotional learning to teens, families and adults all over the world for more than 12 years. She obtained her master’s degrees in clinical and educational psychology from Columbia University, and an M.S. in emotion science from Mid-Sweden University. You can reach out to Sam on Instagram here!