Savoring includes enjoying positive experiences before, during, and after they occur.

Anticipating rewarding events can generate positive emotions in advance.

Creating things to look forward to may increase positive affectivity over time.

I’ve been in Japan for the past few weeks teaching a study-abroad course called “The Science of Happiness.” It’s been an amazing trip, but I’ve been starting to miss my family and the comforts of home.

Last night, I started imagining sleeping in my own bed, cuddling with my kids, and ordering a pizza from our favorite place. I started to feel my mood lift as I anticipated my first couple days at home.

Most of us think happiness comes from experiences themselves. But positive psychology suggests that we can start reaping the benefits of positive experiences long before they happen.

In fact, anticipation may be one of the easiest ways to lift your mood.

Positive psychology examines how people can increase positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, contentment, and excitement.

One of the most effective ways to do this is through a practice called savoring.

Savoring involves prolonging and enhancing positive........

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