How to fill your cup (and keep it full).

Enjoyment is often one of the first concepts to fall by the wayside, kicked down by commitments, urgencies and flagged emails that we just can’t find a second to respond to. Amongst all of the pressing matters that punctuate our time, what if we told you that pleasure was one of them?

To seek and prioritise pleasure is a strictly unique journey for every one of us, but the promotion of our wellbeing is universal. When we actively recognise our need for pleasure, we reinforce the idea that positive behaviours and stimulation are crucial for nourishment. Experiencing goodness on a regular basis reminds us to look forward to life, and not let it happen to us without joy.

When we enjoy consistent, regular intervals of pleasure, we are continually topping up our cups and feeding ourselves from within. The alternative is to neglect pleasure as a source of wellness, filling our cups only occasionally and inevitably becoming parched.

What brings pleasure to each person is different, and patience is a must in finding your flavour. To get you started, these are three simple pleasures to chase.

1. Show your thanks.

It’s easy to neglect the practice of gratitude if you’re under a shadow of work, life and all the directions we stretch ourselves in. The warmth of thanks is there to be felt, whether that’s in three minutes of thankful meditation, five minutes of journaling or a ten-minute conversation with the ones you’re grateful for.

2. Look to the moment.

Being present is an art in itself, and we all need to start somewhere. When we shift the focus from our next steps, we thrive in the now and can better navigate our immediate surroundings. There’s appreciation at every turn, if only we stop to feel it.

3. Turn to your neighbour.

Socialising is the kind of experience that looks different every single time we do it. Spending time with the ones we love contributes hugely to our sense of belonging, giving us access to storytelling and the thrill of shared delight. or at another time that suits you.