Hedonic Adaptation: The Truth About Long-Term Happiness

Be truthful; how long does the excitement last from acquiring a new coat, handbag, car, or achieving a promotion or success at work?

If these items or accomplishments were to significantly impact our long-term well-being, wouldn't baseline happiness levels continually rise?

Regrettably, that's not the reality.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in what is called the ‘hedonic adaptation’. This means that even when good things happen to us or we get nice stuff, our happiness doesn't last forever. We usually end up feeling like our normal selves very shortly.

Hedonic adaptation is the idea that big events - good or bad - don't have a lasting impact on our overall happiness. That's why our happiness levels tend to remain steady over time. Even when something really great or really bad happens, we might feel a temporary boost or dip in happiness, but eventually, we will go back to feeling the same way as before.

Also known as the ‘hedonic treadmill‘, it is studied by researchers who focus on happiness and well-being. This concept describes how people generally bounce back to a consistent level of happiness, no matter what life throws at them.

Here are a few examples:

• People who win the lottery often feel ecstatic at first, but after the initial excitement wears off, they usually return to feeling as happy as they did (or thereabouts) before they won. Some even end up lesser happy because of changes in their relationships.

• The same goes for people who have serious accidents and lose the ability to use their legs. It's really tough at first, but eventually, they tend to get back to feeling as happy as they were before the accident.

• Research shows that the first bite of something delicious is usually the most enjoyable. After that, we get used to it pretty quickly, and it doesn't bring us as much happiness as it did the first time.

Reducing The Impact Of Hedonic Adaptation

Acknowledging hedonic adaptation as a part of life allows us to navigate its effects more efficiently and seek out activities less susceptible to its constraints. Here are ways to sidestep the limitations imposed by the hedonic treadmill and embrace activities that genuinely enhance happiness:

1. Incorporate various pleasures: Ensure your daily routine includes moments of enjoyment. Whether it's savouring a cup of coffee or sharing a laugh with a friend, intentionally schedule these pleasures into your day.

2. Rotate pleasures: Keep experiences fresh by varying your sources of pleasure. Just like fresh sheets bring more comfort than old ones, alternating between different activities prevents boredom and amplifies enjoyment.

3. Prioritise hobbies: Dedicate time to hobbies and interests regularly. Whether it's attending a weekly class or pursuing a personal passion, engaging in activities you love fosters growth and fulfilment.

4. Cultivate meaningful connections: Invest time in relationships and activities that hold personal significance. Meaningful engagements transcend the hedonic treadmill, elevating overall happiness levels.

5. Practice savouring: Take the time to fully appreciate positive experiences. By focusing your attention on moments of joy, you can amplify their impact and derive greater satisfaction from life.

6. Maintain a gratitude journal: Capture moments of gratitude by documenting three positive experiences every day. Reflecting on these moments not only enhances appreciation, but also serves as a source of joy upon revisiting.

7. Monitor your happiness: Stay attuned to your emotional well-being and take proactive steps to boost your mood when needed. Whether it's indulging in activities that bring happiness or exploring new avenues, prioritise your mental health and overall happiness.