The Overindulgence Paradox: Are We Losing the Art of True Celebration?

In today’s fast-paced world, we have an abundance of options to indulge ourselves at any given moment. Streaming TV, junk food, takeaways, sweets, beer, alcohol—the list goes on. These comforts are easily accessible and often treated as daily events. But when every day is a celebration, are we truly celebrating anything?

When is Anything Ever an Event?

When we treat everyday indulgences as events, we risk losing the specialness of genuine celebrations. The excitement of a party, the joy of a rare treat, the significance of a toast—these moments can become blurred when they’re part of our routine. If we turn every evening into a mini-celebration, what distinguishes these moments from actual celebrations?

Imagine this: Every night you have cake, a packet of biscuits, a bar of chocolate or a couple of glasses (or a bottle) of wine. At first, it probably felt luxurious. But now, it has become just another part of your routine. Which begs the question—when everything is special, is anything really special?

The Joy of Less

It’s a paradox: the more we indulge, the less we enjoy. Our brains become desensitised to the dopamine hit and pleasure of these activities and treats. The first bite of chocolate or the first sip of beer loses its thrill when it’s something we do daily, and so we may end up consuming even more to balance the equation. The reality is that by reducing your indulgences, you might find that you appreciate them way more.

Many people I chat with about joining Evolutis explain how they end every day with a couple of beers or glasses of wine while binge-watching another Netflix true crime drama. It's their way to "unwind" or "relax." But after a while, it becomes a mind-numbing habit, not a pleasure. When they decide to cut back and only have a beer or treat on weekends, they find that they enjoy it so much more. Not only that, but they become less stressed and less anxious. It becomes something to look forward to, rather than a routine.

The Question of Enjoyment

Are we really enjoying these moments, or are we just going through the motions? If we constantly consume these comforts, are we actually present in the moment? True enjoyment comes from mindfulness and presence, from savouring the rarity of a treat rather than the habitual consumption.
According to Dr. Jane Smith, a psychologist specialising in mindfulness, “True enjoyment and happiness come from being fully present in the moment. When we overindulge, we lose that presence and the joy it brings.”

Reducing to Enhance
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The idea isn’t to eliminate pleasures but to reframe our approach to them. By simplifying our lives and reducing our indulgences, we create space for genuine enjoyment. Imagine looking forward to a Friday night takeaway because it’s a rare treat, rather than a routine. The anticipation and enjoyment of that moment will be far greater.

Practical Tips:

• TV Only at the Weekend: Make watching something an event. Save your favourite shows for the weekend and turn it into a special occasion.
• Treats on Demand: Go out and buy a treat when you want it, rather than stocking up in the cupboards. This way, each treat becomes an event in itself.
• Restaurant Over Takeaways: Instead of weekly takeaways, plan a nice meal out in a restaurant once a month. This not only makes the meal special but also a memorable experience.
• Limit Alcohol: Reduce alcohol consumption to just Saturdays, or even better, enjoy it once a month when out for a nice meal. This not only makes the experience more special but also healthier.

The Impact on Relationships

Being more present can significantly improve relationships with family, kids, and friends. When we are fully engaged and mindful, we create deeper connections and more meaningful interactions.
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• Family: Spending quality time with family without the distractions of daily (over) indulgences can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. How often do you enjoy a shared meal where everyone is truly present?
• Kids: Children notice when we are fully attentive. By reducing distractions and being present with them, we can enhance their sense of security and belonging.
• Friends: Mindful interactions with friends lead to more fulfilling and genuine relationships. Plan get-togethers that focus on connection rather than just habitual consumption.

A Few Challenging Questions for You:

• When was the last time you truly celebrated something?
• How often do you find yourself treating everyday activities as special events?
• Are you enjoying your indulgences, or have they become mere habits?
• What can you reduce in your life to make room for more genuine enjoyment?
• How can you reintroduce the art of celebration into your life?
• How can being more present improve your relationships with family, kids, and friends?

By reflecting on these questions, we can begin to recognise the value of reducing and simplifying. We can learn to appreciate things more by enjoying them less often, leading to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.

A Call to Action

I would like you to take a moment today to think about what you can simplify in your life. Choose one indulgence to reduce and observe how your enjoyment of it changes over time. Celebrate the art of less and rediscover the joy in true celebration.