Do you remember how you looked forward to something as a child? In adult life, anticipation rarely occurs. Double a shame: Because it is also healthy if we get the anticipation back.
As is well known, anticipation is the best joy. Whether on the Easter bunnies, on the next vacation or just a good book in the evening: If you are looking forward to something, you not only have a good feeling, but also strengthens mental health, reports the magazine “Psychology Now” (issue 4/25).
When we expect something, the brain produces dopamine. This is the messenger that is released in situations where there may be a reward.
Studies also show that the brain region of the prefrontal cortex is particularly active in the event of a positive expectation, which is accompanied by higher well -being. This is known from shopping or social media use. But everything goes very quickly there, the dopamine is almost gone again.
1. Plan anticipation events in your calendar
The good news: anticipation can be specifically built into everyday life and train. If we want to take advantage of the effect, we have to become better in delaying the reward, writes author Julie Basset in the report. And that works with planning:
“Grab your calendar and enter such appointments.” That doesn’t have to be huge events. Maybe a meeting with a friend. Or maybe you are reading a book that you really like? Plan when you only take time to read. Then you will look forward to this Me-Time all day. Those who regularly plan such moments also experience anticipation in everyday life.
2. Out of the routine: try something new more often
The tingling of the expectation, i.e. dopamine, can and should also achieve differently: try something new – or something that we have not done for a long time: adults sometimes find it difficult to do something new or stick to routines. But when we move out of our comfort zone, we feel this special charm: Reserve a table in a restaurant where you have never been to plan a dream vacation, try a new hobby or enter an association.
3. difficult, but not impossible: anticipation for everyday work
Especially professional life with its many – often forced – routines often puts our well -being on the test. Many feel anticipation only at the end of the day and get a bad mood on Sundays because the work lurks again the next day. However, you are not helplessly delivered to the Monday blues. With Job Crafting you can adapt your work to your needs and thus receive more joy in professional life. You can find out exactly how that works here:
Read more on utopia.de:
- Joy of life: How you learn to enjoy your life
- Affective Forecasting: How it can affect your emotions
- What makes you happy? Happiness researchers call exactly 6 factors
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partially partner links: If you buy here, you will actively support Techzle\.com, because we will then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More information.