Cynthia Loyst's best advice for spicing up your everyday life

There are numerous elements that play a role in living a meaningful life, which might make it difficult to navigate the path to finding your pleasure. We sat down with author and co-host of CTV's The Social, Cynthia Loyst to hear her top tips on how to spice up your daily life from her new book, "Find Your Pleasure." 

REFRAME PLEASURE AS A POSITIVE

There's a perception in society that too much indulgence can lead downhill when in fact, many pleasures come with numerous health benefits. For example, creating art activates natural pleasure centres in the brain. To live a meaningful life, pleasure is a key aspect! 

MAKE PLEASURE A PRIORITY 

With a busy schedule, it can be hard to organize alone time for yourself. However, each day comes with an opportunity for pleasure, starting with how we choose to spend our time. Cynthia believes prioritizing your pleasure is necessary for self-esteem, confidence and inner joy.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

You might be wondering how mindfulness plays a role in spicing up your life. According to Cynthia, it brings us back to the present moment. Practicing mindfulness will prevent you from being lost in a sea thoughts so that you can thoroughly enjoy and engage with your senses. 

CREATE A PLEASURE POUCH

Creating a pleasure pouch is one of the pleasure projects outlined in Cynthia's book. The idea is to refer back to your pouch anytime you're in need of pleasure! Whether you've had a bad day or simply need some you-time, the pleasure pouch can be your go-to. The physical pouch can be made of old fabric you have laying around or even a purse you no longer use. Whether you fill it with essential oils, love letters or photographs, the items inside should be ones that truly bring you pleasure.

FOLLOW THE ACRONYM “AAAH”

One of Cynthia’s favourite tips from her book is related to the word “aaah.” She recommends taking a deep breath, exhaling, saying the word out loud and then following the acronym.

Awareness: Things that bring you pleasure, might not work for others. It’s important to be aware of your individuality and your personal preferences. Take some time to ask yourself how your ideal day-off would look like, or how you would treat yourself if money wasn’t a barrier. These types of questions are a great starting point for finding out where your passions lye.

Attention: Now more than ever, much of our time is spent on our phones or smart devices. This has made us mentally detach from daily activities. Paying attention is all about tuning your body and mind into your imaginations!

Authenticity: Be honest with yourself about what you’re intrigued by, who you are and what makes you feel your best. Tell yourself that it’s okay to have pleasures that are temporary compulsions as you grow and learn more about yourself.

Help: It’s no secret that life often comes with many obstacles and struggles. Whether you feel overworked or overwhelmed, don’t be ashamed to ask for help or to create a strategy for difficult times. For example, carving out even a few minutes a day to unwind and meditate can be your go-to solution for when you need it.