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verywellmind.com describes hedonic adaptation as “people’s general tendency to return to a set level of happiness despite life’s ups and downs”.
The “hedonic treadmill” is the same concept. The treadmill analogy portrays the idea of staying in the same place despite running/ walking forward.
However, we have the power to counteract this effect to an extent using gratitude practices.
What is Hedonic Adaptation
Hedonic Adaptation is the psychological phenomenon that no matter what life events occur – ranging from tragic to terrific – we will always regulate to a baseline level of happiness over time.
There are downsides and upsides to this. On the bright side, if something devastating were to happen to you, this concept shows that over time you will be able to recover.
However, many people learn of the hedonic treadmill and settle on a conclusion of hopelessness and despair. Due to the idea that no matter how much good happens to you, it won’t make a lasting difference.
While it is true that we typically return to a sense of normalcy, there is a greater point that many people seem to miss.
Chasing Happiness
“A healthy man wants one thousand things, a sick man only wants one” –Confucius
In our society, it is very common for people to chase after a new car or life goal, expecting it to be a “finish line to happiness”.
Although, we now know that no matter how big the achievement, the associated effects of happiness will eventually wear off. So what now?
There is a difference between happiness and contentment.
“While happiness is a fleeting moment, contentment is a mindset you carry everywhere.” -betterup.com
Focusing on overall life satisfaction and raising our baseline happiness level is a much better use of our time.
But how can we do this?
The Power of Gratitude
We are overall healthier and more content in our day-to-day lives when we take time to be mindful and appreciate the things we have.
While it is good to have goals and do fun things, there is a balance that can free us from relying on them to make our lives enjoyable.
Like previously touched upon, chasing the next thing that will finally make you happy is the wrong way to think about life satisfaction.
Eventually that dream job will become mundane, that is unless you put in conscious effort to remind yourself that you got that dream job.
There are countless things we can be grateful for, big or small. No matter how tiny or simple it is, one grateful thought can make a big impact on your mood.
And the more the merrier!
How Gratitude Can Counteract Hedonic Adaptation
When we take the time to slow down and specifically think grateful thoughts, we can remind ourselves of the positive things we may have gotten used to.
If hedonic adaptation is adapting to our common reality, take time to remember.
Remember a time when things sucked. A time when you didn’t think it would get better. A time when you didn’t believe you’d get the things you have now.
(If you are currently in a place where you relate to these things, take comfort in the fact that your future self will be able to look back and be proud of your strength and grateful you got through it.)
We have so much more than we take the time to realize.
This life is a gift. When we remember that, everything becomes a bit easier, and the rainiest days come with the comfort of a rainbow.
Soak it all up. Be present in any feelings or life events. “Living life to the fullest” is simply appreciating and living in whatever life you have been given.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude
Possibly one of the most popular forms of practicing gratitude is having a gratitude journal. Keeping a journal of things you are grateful for and writing in it daily is a huge mood booster! It can also be incredibly fulfilling.
Meditating can have a great impact on your mental health as is. Adding gratitude into the mix is even better. Consider listening to a guided gratitude meditation or simply pondering things you are grateful for as you meditate.
If neither of these things sounds up your alley, try thinking about things you are grateful for whenever you can. Bored at work? Think of 5 things that make your life better.
Savor the good moments and really take in how lucky you are to experience them.
Conclusion
Practicing gratitude can raise our overall contentment level and improve our life satisfaction.
Hedonic adaptation can be seen as both a positive and a negative. But the good news is once we learn about it we can manage our expectations and be more aware of its effects.
Find a way to practice gratitude regularly such as gratitude journaling or meditation, and see how it benefits your well-being!
