RespawnRanger
Well-known member
The Joy Drain: Why Our Little Treats Just Aren't Cutting It Anymore
For many Americans, life feels like a chore – an exhausting cycle of stress, anxiety, and feelings of emptiness. And it's not just the big things that are getting us down; even small pleasures like taking a walk or enjoying a favorite dessert can lose their luster in this climate.
According to experts, anhedonia – a loss of enjoyment in usually pleasurable activities – is on the rise. This is coupled with hypernormalization, where our daily lives become increasingly disconnected from our values and aspirations due to societal changes. The result? We're feeling less satisfied than ever before.
But here's the thing: joy is essential for resilience and forward motion. As activist Adrienne Maree Brown puts it, "Being able to actually feel the pleasures of being alive … and having agency over what we're doing is actually a path of our liberation."
So how can we get our little treats back? The answer lies in anticipation, routine, social connection, and self-awareness.
Anticipation: Lighting up the Brain
It turns out that our brains are wired to anticipate pleasure – it's called dopamine. When we feel anhedonic, it's because we've lost the drive to pursue pleasurable activities. But by building anticipation, we can boost our pleasure centers.
According to Dr. Anne-Noël Samaha, a neurobiologist at the University of Montreal, "Research suggests that anticipation can produce more dopamine activity than the reward itself." So, try starting your day with something you look forward to – it could be as simple as a favorite coffee or a walk around the block.
Creating Rituals: The Power of Routine
We don't need bigger rewards or forced enthusiasm; we just need routine. By doing things in a repetitive and predictable way, we build anticipation that enhances pleasure. This is according to Dr. Sanil Rege, a psychiatrist who says, "Monotony, steady, repeated action, is actually the clue here."
So, start by creating small rituals around your treats. Instead of grabbing something on the go, make it a deliberate and anticipated experience. For example, try starting your Saturday morning with a visit to your favorite bakery.
Social Connection: The Power of Belonging
While we can't escape our individual struggles, we can enhance our pleasure centers by connecting with others. As Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky notes, "Anything social … makes people happier than an activity done alone." Treat someone else to a meal or activity – it might do more for your mood than treating yourself.
Savoring: The Art of Mindfulness
When we're feeling stuck, our pleasures can seem weak and fleeting. That's where savoring comes in – a mindfulness practice that encourages us to rest on the moment and expand our joy. According to Michael Steger, founder of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University, "Savoring helps you understand your inner workings of pleasure."
And finally, beware the trap of using treats as band-aids. Instead, use them as rewards for solving problems and improving your life.
Reminiscing About the Past: A Story to Tell
Lastly, try reflecting on your past – your relationships, accomplishments, and growth. This can give you a sense of belonging and resilience. And conversely, start thinking about the present as something you'll reflect on in future – it might help you find meaning in this moment.
In conclusion, our little treats just aren't cutting it anymore. But by harnessing anticipation, routine, social connection, savoring, and self-awareness, we can reclaim joy and resilience. It's time to start finding pleasure in the everyday moments that bring us alive.
For many Americans, life feels like a chore – an exhausting cycle of stress, anxiety, and feelings of emptiness. And it's not just the big things that are getting us down; even small pleasures like taking a walk or enjoying a favorite dessert can lose their luster in this climate.
According to experts, anhedonia – a loss of enjoyment in usually pleasurable activities – is on the rise. This is coupled with hypernormalization, where our daily lives become increasingly disconnected from our values and aspirations due to societal changes. The result? We're feeling less satisfied than ever before.
But here's the thing: joy is essential for resilience and forward motion. As activist Adrienne Maree Brown puts it, "Being able to actually feel the pleasures of being alive … and having agency over what we're doing is actually a path of our liberation."
So how can we get our little treats back? The answer lies in anticipation, routine, social connection, and self-awareness.
Anticipation: Lighting up the Brain
It turns out that our brains are wired to anticipate pleasure – it's called dopamine. When we feel anhedonic, it's because we've lost the drive to pursue pleasurable activities. But by building anticipation, we can boost our pleasure centers.
According to Dr. Anne-Noël Samaha, a neurobiologist at the University of Montreal, "Research suggests that anticipation can produce more dopamine activity than the reward itself." So, try starting your day with something you look forward to – it could be as simple as a favorite coffee or a walk around the block.
Creating Rituals: The Power of Routine
We don't need bigger rewards or forced enthusiasm; we just need routine. By doing things in a repetitive and predictable way, we build anticipation that enhances pleasure. This is according to Dr. Sanil Rege, a psychiatrist who says, "Monotony, steady, repeated action, is actually the clue here."
So, start by creating small rituals around your treats. Instead of grabbing something on the go, make it a deliberate and anticipated experience. For example, try starting your Saturday morning with a visit to your favorite bakery.
Social Connection: The Power of Belonging
While we can't escape our individual struggles, we can enhance our pleasure centers by connecting with others. As Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky notes, "Anything social … makes people happier than an activity done alone." Treat someone else to a meal or activity – it might do more for your mood than treating yourself.
Savoring: The Art of Mindfulness
When we're feeling stuck, our pleasures can seem weak and fleeting. That's where savoring comes in – a mindfulness practice that encourages us to rest on the moment and expand our joy. According to Michael Steger, founder of the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University, "Savoring helps you understand your inner workings of pleasure."
And finally, beware the trap of using treats as band-aids. Instead, use them as rewards for solving problems and improving your life.
Reminiscing About the Past: A Story to Tell
Lastly, try reflecting on your past – your relationships, accomplishments, and growth. This can give you a sense of belonging and resilience. And conversely, start thinking about the present as something you'll reflect on in future – it might help you find meaning in this moment.
In conclusion, our little treats just aren't cutting it anymore. But by harnessing anticipation, routine, social connection, savoring, and self-awareness, we can reclaim joy and resilience. It's time to start finding pleasure in the everyday moments that bring us alive.
. I mean, when was the last time you looked forward to going to the grocery store or doing laundry? 
It's like we've lost touch with what brings us happiness and fulfillment.
Like, if you're planning a vacation months in advance, that dopamine rush from anticipation is gonna make the actual trip even more enjoyable. 
I'm literally so done with feeling meh all the time. Like, taking a walk should be something you look forward to, not just go through the motions. We need more anticipation and planning in our lives! 
I've been trying this new coffee shop routine where I get my fave coffee every morning before work... it's literally the highlight of my day 
. I know this article is talking about how people aren't enjoying small pleasures like they used to, but it got me thinking - what's with all these newfangled coffee shops popping up everywhere? Can you really get a good cuppa in those places? Like, what's the difference between a Starbucks and, say, my grandma's kitchen coffee 
️.
Is it just me or is everyone feeling this way too? 
We used to look forward to little treats, now they're just kinda meh 
What do you think is missing from our lives that's making us feel this way? 