Humans are opportunists. Biologically and physiologically, we are wired to get what we need or want with the least effort possible. When I saw the concept of “Joy Snacking,” from neuroscientist and Washington Post journalist Richard Sima, I knew we immediately had to cover it for Wellspiration. Keep reading to discover the power of joy snacking for yourself.
No Time for Joy
Besides our physiological inclination for all things easy, humans are strapped for time. Between scheduling everything from bathroom breaks to sex, we overbook ourselves. The idea of scheduling joy, well, kinda takes the joy out of it. Hello, “Joy Snacking!”
What is joy snacking, you ask? According to Sima, it could be that first sip of morning coffee, but it can be so many other things. Small, bite-sized bits of bliss, when we can’t have a whole meal. Similar how you may need a snack to get you to your next meal, sometimes we may need a little taste of joy before we can have our next “joysplosion.” The power of joy snacking is in the simplicity. The key is finding something small and compact. Just like a little square of dark chocolate can be so satisfying, so can watching the flowers bloom in Spring. The smaller the snack, the more plentiful the joy snacks.
Make Joy Accessible
It’s easy to say joy isn’t accessible or you are too strapped for time. That’s a story and we want to help you rewrite the ending. Chances are right now, you may be thinking about what joy looks like. Perhaps it is a full day at the spa, or hiking in the mountains with the doggos. It could even be a first class trip to New Zealand. Those are all amazing, but maybe they aren’t readily accessible. Joy snacking makes joy more accessible. Imagine noticing the plant in your living room that never seems to grow, and suddenly has a new flower. Perhaps it’s climbing into freshly washed sheets right before bed. It could even be the first scent of your new baby after waking up in the morning. The joy snacking options are limitless, if you slow down and look around.
Joy Snacks Taste Better Shared
As one of his tips, Sima talks about how joy snacks are better when shared. You can amplify the power of joy snacking by letting others partake. After all, parties, meals and even joy snacks are better when shared. Relationships thrive on reciprocity so why not share some joy snacks? Whether it’s your favorite latte spot or your latest song crush, it’s always fun to share. People appreciate being included and it provides a way to deepen relationships.
Joy Snacking and Gratitude
When we are mindful, we can easily find joy snacks constantly surrounding us. Joy snacking doesn’t require you to buy anything. It only requires pausing and taking a second and appreciate the things already here. Sima mentions the connection to gratitude, and we are adding mindfulness to the mix. When you are mindful, it’s easier to slow down and experience gratitude. Nothing more than a simple appreciation of something and you have discovered a new snack.
Experiment with Joy Snacking
Still not convinced and want to try and experiment? Pick up your phone and look at the pictures. Scroll through and stop at the first picture you see of the last thing that made you smile. Perhaps it was a picture of a fabulous brunch, a giant tree, or your funny cat. Pause for a moment and take three slow breaths, elongating the exhale. Think of how you felt taking that picture. Congratulations! You just had a joy snack!
Want more? We love a good challenge at Pomona Wellness. See how many joy snacks you can have in one day. Maybe it’s 1. That’s great! Maybe it’s 50! Wow, you go high achiever – that’s incredible! The great thing about joy snacking is that unless it’s macaroons, you likely can’t overindulge on joy snacks. Need help locating your joy and would like support? Schedule a breakthrough session and let’s chat.
Until then, keep on snacking!