Are little treats feeling less exciting? Here’s how to harness small joys

The Joy That's Lost in Plain Sight: How to Revitalize Little Pleasures

For many Americans, the pursuit of happiness has become increasingly elusive. A growing sense of dissatisfaction with life and a blurring of boundaries between good and bad times have contributed to feelings of ennui. But what if the solution lay not in seeking out new experiences, but rather in rediscovering the simple pleasures that bring us joy?

One expert on human motivation, Dr. Anne-Noël Samaha, notes that our brains are wired to respond to anticipation, not just the reward itself. This means that even small treats can lose their luster if we don't build up to them. "The brain isn't registering them in the same way," says psychiatrist Dr. Sanil Rege. "The cycle that normally turns small pleasures into ongoing sources of motivation breaks down."

So, how can we revitalize our relationship with little treats? According to experts, it starts with creating a ritual around them. By setting aside time and making these moments more intentional, we can build anticipation and excitement. For example, instead of grabbing a quick pastry on the go, try establishing a Saturday morning ritual at your favorite bakery. This can help activate dopamine long before the treat arrives.

But routine alone is not enough; social connections also play a crucial role in boosting pleasure. Research has shown that sharing experiences with others can amplify the emotional payoff, making us happier than doing things alone. As Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky notes, "Anything social makes people happier than an activity done alone." In fact, treating someone else might do more for your mood than treating yourself.

In addition to creating rituals and connecting with others, experts recommend practicing mindfulness – or "savoring" – when we're enjoying ourselves. This involves inviting our attention to rest on the moment, examining our thoughts and emotions, and paying attention to sensory details like quality of light or birdsong. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of what brings us joy and cultivate a more resilient sense of pleasure.

But there's also the risk that we'll use treats as coping mechanisms for bigger problems. If you're avoiding social events due to anxiety, using a treat might provide temporary relief but ultimately reinforce negative thoughts. Instead, try framing these rewards around problem-solving and personal growth. As Dr. Lyubomirsky notes, "Effort can make a treat more satisfying."

Finally, experts suggest taking time to reflect on the past – not just nostalgic memories, but also our accomplishments and lessons learned. By doing so, we can strengthen our sense of belonging and resilience in the present moment. As Dr. Michael Steger puts it, "We're starting to see a science of nostalgia build." Reflecting on what's meaningful about your life right now can help you appreciate the beauty in the present.

In a world where simple pleasures often feel overshadowed by stress and anxiety, it's time to rediscover the joy that's lost in plain sight. By creating rituals, connecting with others, savoring moments, being mindful of our coping mechanisms, reflecting on our experiences, and finding meaning in our lives, we can revitalize our relationship with little treats – and find happiness again.

i think its kinda cool that we need to be reminded about the importance of small pleasures in life . like, remember when we used to just enjoy a quiet evening at home without feeling guilty or anxious? now its all about finding new experiences and stuff, but sometimes less is more, you know? creating rituals around little treats can be super effective, and social connections are key too . mindfulness is also a great way to appreciate the moment and not just use treats as coping mechanisms . i mean, we need to take time for ourselves and reflect on what brings us joy and fulfillment . let's try to find happiness again without overcomplicating things, right?

I don’t usually comment but... I think it’s so true that small things can lose their appeal if we don’t make them special. Like, remember when you were a kid and you would get excited about having a picnic with your family every summer? Nowadays, it seems like everyone’s always on the go and doesn’t have time for those kinds of simple pleasures

I also love that they mention social connections playing a big role in boosting pleasure. Like, if I was feeling down, my friend would know just what to say or do to lift my mood . And it's so easy to get caught up in the idea that we need some grand adventure or new experience to be happy, but really it’s those little moments of connection and enjoyment that can bring us the most joy

I think this whole thing is a perfect example of how government policies are really holding us back from finding true joy in life . I mean, what's the point of having all these wonderful little pleasures if we're just gonna go about our lives feeling stressed and anxious? It's like we're stuck in some kind of never-ending cycle of monotony.

I think what we need is a change in our societal values, you know? Instead of focusing on productivity and efficiency, we should be prioritizing our mental health and well-being. We need to take a step back and reevaluate what truly makes us happy. And that's not just about finding some new hobby or treating ourselves every now and then – it's about creating a culture that values self-care and mindfulness.

I'm also really concerned about how this is all being framed as an individual problem, like we just need to "find our own joy" or "take care of ourselves." What about the systemic issues that are contributing to our stress and anxiety? Like, what about poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and environmental degradation? Those are things that government can actually do something about .

Anyway, I think this whole article is a great starting point for a conversation about how we can create a more joyful society. And I'm not just talking about making little pleasures a part of our daily lives – I'm talking about systemic change .

Man I feel like I'm so burnt out all the time , just going through the motions of daily life and never really stopping to appreciate the small stuff. You know when you're at your favorite coffee shop on a Saturday morning and it's just you and the quiet atmosphere? That's what I need more of in my life right now .

I think the thing is we've become so used to instant gratification and constant stimulation that we've forgotten how to slow down and enjoy the moment. Like Dr. Samaha said, our brains are wired for anticipation, but we're always rushing around without time to build up to anything .

I'm trying to be more mindful of this now, you know? I'll take a few minutes each day to appreciate the little things – like a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset. It's amazing how much joy can come from just being present in the moment .

And yeah, social connections are key too! Having someone to share those moments with makes all the difference . I've been trying to plan more regular hangouts with friends and family, and it's really helped me feel more connected and less isolated.

Overall, I think this is a great reminder that happiness isn't always about big, grand experiences – sometimes it's just about finding joy in the little things .

I'm not surprised people are feeling meh about life... I mean, have you seen the state of brunch spots lately? Like, who needs that much avocado toast anyway? But seriously, it's easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget how to actually enjoy a simple cup of coffee or a walk outside. Maybe we need to take a cue from the experts here: create some ritual around those small pleasures and make them feel like events. Like, I'd love to see people taking Sundays to try out a new recipe or going on a solo hike just because. Not that I'm saying I'm above all that...

I think we've all been there - feeling like something's missing but not quite knowing what it is. But honestly, I think our brains are just wired to expect more now . Like, remember when a Sunday morning coffee was just the best thing ever? Now, it's got to be paired with Netflix and a comfy couch to even feel like a treat .

And can we talk about how hard it is to find joy in the little things anymore? I mean, I love baking, but now every time I make something sweet, I'm like "oh wait, I've already had cake for breakfast ". Where's the excitement in that?

But what if the key is just to slow down and notice all the small pleasures we're missing out on? Like, have you ever really looked at a sunset or listened to birds singing without thinking about anything else? That sounds like happiness to me .

I'm literally so over how everyone's lost touch with actual joy anymore. Like, what happened to taking a moment just to enjoy the view? Or savoring that perfect cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday ️? I swear, we've become so conditioned to be constantly striving for the next thing that we forget how to appreciate the little things already in front of us. It's like our brains are literally wired to seek out distractions rather than actual happiness . And don't even get me started on social media – it's just a highlight reel of everyone else's accomplishments and experiences, making us feel like we're missing out on something . But honestly, the solution is so simple: create some space for yourself, take a deep breath, and just be present in the moment. Read a book , take a walk outside , or have a meaningful conversation with someone who actually cares about you . It's not rocket science, folks!