We are all aware of the need to look after ourselves, ensure we have a good diet and exercise well. Many of us also take vitamin supplements and try and have a healthy diet. But what we may not be so aware of, is the importance of Vitamin P – pleasure.

Vitamin P-pleasure, is an idea that is taking traction in the world of nutrition, with many suggesting that Vitamin P could be just as important as any other vitamin, and that is essential for our digestive and physical health. Recent research indicates that the amount of pleasure someone experiences while eating, may have a direct impact on the nutritional benefits they gain from the food. The more pleasure, the more nourishment and nutrients they receive.

I was introduced to the concept of Vitamin P in Kate Codrington’s book Second Spring, where in a section called Eat Well, Feel Well, she writes:

“the most life-changing ingredient to add to your meals is vitamin P-pleasure. Eating slowly and with pleasure has been shown to transform metabolic rate and assist the absorption of nutrients. So you might get more nutrition from a slice of cake eaten slowing than choking down a kale smoothie. Life is too short to force ourselves to eat stuff we hate” (p.167).

What if this was also true in other areas of our lives?

It turns out that Vitamin P may also be essential for our mental health and well-being, and not just our digestive and physical health. Pleasure is an essential aspect of human experience and plays an important role in our overall well-being. Here are a few reasons why pleasure is important in our lives:

1. Enhances our mood: activating the reward centre in the brain, which releases dopamine and other feel-good neurotransmitters. This can help to elevate mood, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness, helping us to get more nourishment from all areas of our lives.
2. Promotes social bonding: Shared pleasures can create a sense of connection and belonging with others, helping to build and maintain social relationships, which are essential for our emotional well-being.
3. Increases motivation: The anticipation of pleasure can motivate us to pursue certain goals and engage in certain behaviours, such as exercising or pursuing a hobby.
4. Improves physical health: Pleasurable activities, such as exercise or spending time in nature, can also have physical health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.

Unfortunately, many of us are guilty of neglecting Vitamin P

In our busy lives, we often forget to take the time to enjoy ourselves and indulge in pleasure. We often excessively prioritise work, responsibilities, and obligations over pleasure, thinking that it is indulgent or selfish to focus on ourselves. But the truth is, pleasure is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Vitamin P is a vital component of self-care and helps us to feel happy, energised, and motivated.

Pleasure releases endorphins in our brain, which are feel-good chemicals that can improve our mood, reduce stress, and increase our overall sense of well-being. By engaging in activities that bring us pleasure, we can improve our mental health and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Pleasure can also help us to develop a more positive mindset. When we focus on the things that bring us joy, we are more likely to have a positive outlook on life and feel more optimistic about the future. This can help us to build resilience and cope better with challenges and setbacks.

How can we incorporate more Vitamin P into our lives?

We can start by identifying the things that bring us pleasure. This could be anything from spending time with loved ones to listening to music, reading a book, or taking a relaxing bath. They don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Often the simplest activities, like going for a walk, are just as effective at bringing us pleasure and improving our mental health, as more elaborate ones.

Once we have identified the activates that work for us, we can then make a conscious effort to prioritise and incorporate them into our daily lives. Perhaps by adding them into our diary to ensure we put the time aside, or meeting others who can hold us to account and help motivate us.