The Power of Anticipation: Why Having Something to Look Forward To Helps Mental Health
We live in a world that rushes us.
We plan the next trip before we’ve unpacked from the last.
We finish a creative project and immediately ask, “What’s next?”
The feeling of joy becomes fleeting, constantly overpowered by the drive for productivity.
But one of the most regulating things you can offer your nervous system?
Something to look forward to.
Why Anticipation Is Good for the Nervous System
Looking forward to something—big or small—creates a dopamine release.
Dopamine isn’t just the “pleasure” chemical; it’s the motivation and hope chemical.
When you anticipate a positive experience:
Your brain and body start to shift toward connection mode
You interrupt patterns of burnout, dread, or over-focus
You open a portal to possibility, which is key for emotional regulation
This is especially powerful for women with ADHD symptoms, emotional overwhelm, or rejection sensitivity who spend much of their time in fight, flight, or freeze.
When we plan for joy, we create a bridge out of survival mode.
But Here’s the Catch: We Often Rush Through the Thing Itself
Have you ever counted down the days to a concert, retreat, or beach day —
Only to rush through it, post it on Instagram, and already be thinking about what’s next?
This isn’t just poor mindfulness.
t’s often a stress response.
When we’ve spent years in survival mode waiting for the other shoe to drop — or have never felt safe enough to slow down—joy can be hard to connect with. Even threatening.
Presence is a Practice — Especially for Creative, High-Achieving Women
When you’re used to striving, joy can feel like something you have to earn.
But the truth is: you deserve joy now.
Not when the launch is over. Not when you’ve fixed your relationship. Not when your to-do list is empty.
This is why in my work as a holistic psychotherapist, I help women rewire their relationship to joy and anticipation using:
EMDR to clear survival-based beliefs around joy, rest, and receiving
EFT tapping to regulate the nervous system before, during, and after high-sensation events
Safe and Sound Protocol to improve neuroception and increase the ability to feel safe connecting with pleasure
We don’t just plan better experiences. We train your body to stay present for them.
You’re Allowed to Look Forward to Your Life
What would shift if you planned one small thing this week—
Just because it brings you joy?
A solo sunset walk. A new playlist. A favorite recipe.
It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to feel good.
And when it happens?
Be there for it. Fully.
Let your system register it as safe, fulfilling, and real.
Let’s Redefine Healing As Joy, Too
I offer online holistic therapy for women across California, including San Diego, Carmel Valley, Monterey, and the Bay Area.
If you’re ready to shift out of survival mode and into a more fulfilling way of being —
click here to learn more about how we can work together.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. Reading this post does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are seeking clinical support, please visit somaticspiritualtherapist.com for more information about therapy services available to California residents.
