What brings you pleasure?
When you sink into negativity...
When we feel overwhelmed by events and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, we tend to plunge into a bottomless pit of negativity… Has that ever happened to you?
How do we get out of the impasse?
How can we regain our moments of pleasure and our joy of living?
Listening to a friend's advice
During my first sabbatical, when I was feeling a little lost about my future, I remember that a friend suggested I get back into the activities I used to enjoy when I was younger.
The first thing that came to mind was: making puzzles!
And reconnecting with our childhood's pleasures
That's exactly what I did when I got home: I went to my parents' house to get some, and I spent hours rediscovering that childhood joy.
I was so absorbed and focused on my puzzle pieces that I lost track of time.
Once I'd finished them, I went on to find new ones... until I'd satisfied my thirst for puzzles!
Pleasure: a habit to be rediscovered
This return to the simple joys of my childhood made me realize just how easily we can lose the habit of enjoying activities as simple as puzzles.
The burden of our daily tasks
Our days are filled with tasks—some more demanding than others—whether for personal or professional reasons, and we forget how important—or even necessary—it is to have fun for the sake of our health.
Including small pleasures in our day
Sometimes we get so caught up in the goal we're trying to achieve that we forget the journey to get there may very well be filled with little pleasures.
Find the little pleasures that make you feel good and bring a smile to your face throughout your day.
The health benefits of pleasure
Pleasure has significant positive effects on our health. In particular, it:
Helps our bodies release endorphins (the hormones that create a sense of well-being, such as after intense physical activity)
Protects us from the harmful effects of stress
Strengthens and regulates our immune system
Improves our mood
Pleasure vs. distraction: an important distinction
Note: It is important to distinguish between what truly brings us pleasure and what is merely a distraction (such as watching TV or playing video games).
Pleasure allows us to be fully present, alive, and mindful in the here and now. Distraction does exactly the opposite: it takes us away from the present moment.
That said, there is a time and place for fun—but it shouldn't take the place of moments of joy.
Now it's your turn!
What do you enjoy doing? What activities did you enjoy as a child?
A Few Ideas for Bringing Fun Back into Our Lives
Listen to music
Playing an instrument
Sing
See a comedy show
Dance
Doing yoga
Give your children or your partner a hug
Volunteering
Having a pet and spending time with it
An activity in the great outdoors
Coffee with a friend
Exchanging / chatting with friends
Need a helping hand?
Coaching and visualization exercises can be valuable tools to help you bring joy back into your life.
Please feel free to contact me if you're interested! The first introductory session is free!
