The hedonic treadmill is a phenomenon where an individual adapts to life situations in a relatively stable way to maintain a set level of happiness, regardless of any distinctly positive or negative events experienced by them.
Have you ever noticed that you were really excited to get the new car, from your own earnings, now you’ve purchased it and you drive it everyday to your work, you’re really excited and enjoying the feel it gives, but a month later, you don’t see it as your new car, rather see it as your way of commute, focus on the traffic and getting late for work. The new exciting happiness state starts to wither. Now, you’re neither upset, nor excited; just happy. This tendency of humans to adapt can be seen as a happiness set point that we have for ourselves. Even though positive or negative events may occur in the course of time, soon after, one returns to a stable level of happiness. Therefore, the name hedonic treadmill.
This however doesn’t mean that if we have to return to a set point of happiness, why even strive for it, because it may be subjective for people and after experiencing the event, even if you return to a previous point, it won’t be neutral, rather happy. Since it is also known that happiness is not a destination but a journey, so taking notice of your current experience, moments and challenges will help you feel gratitude and appreciate the good, meaningful things in life. Savouring what you have currently will keep you motivated to achieve things and may enable you to have a relatively higher happiness set point.
Several ways you can increase your happiness set point and avoid the hedonic treadmill can be by adopting mindfulness meditation, taking notice of the surroundings and experiences, savouring it in the present and being grateful for it. Additionally, research evidence has shown that people who do things for others report a higher level of happiness than those who spend it on themselves or material things, which is perhaps noticing the joy on others by your actions is more rewarding an experience in comparison to splurging money on yourself.
Also, looking for eudaimonic happiness, instead of hedonic pleasure can help with lasting happiness, things that have a purpose, or what you can find meaning in that extends beyond you. Purposeful living and savouring them can elevate your levels of gratitude and overall happiness.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
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About the Author.
Vritti Kapoor is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.