What is a Hedonic Treadmill?

Did you ever find yourself in a state where you were excited to have something and then not so ecstatic after buying or getting it? As you experience a sense of emptiness, you long for something new to fill the void. The Hedonic Treadmill (Hedonic Adaptation) is the term used by psychologists to describe this aspect.

The term "Hedonic Treadmill" refers to the phenomenon of attaining a base level of happiness regardless of the type of event that occurs in one's life. Events in your life, whether positive or negative, have an impact on your level of happiness. However, as humans, everybody tends to return to the Baseline level of satisfaction.

The baseline amount of happiness is referred to as the happiness setpoint, and it varies from person to person. Genetics determines 50% of your baseline, your life events determine 10%, and 40% is determined by your daily activities, which you have complete control over.

Hedonic Treadmill Examples

Significant life events have a negligible impact on your long-term happiness. Regardless of whether the event is favourable or bad, it will eventually hit the happiness setpoint. Listed below are a few examples:

• Shopping spree
• Getting married
• Purchasing a new home
• Obtaining a promotion at work
• Buying the smartphone you've been waiting for months to purchase
• Buying your dream car
• Winning a lottery
• Breakup or divorce
• Accidents

The happiness levels for all of the above events will reach the baseline in a few days or months since these emotions don’t last forever.

How to Beat the Hedonic Treadmill?

The Hedonic treadmill doesn't lead you anywhere. Walking on a treadmill is similar: you always keep moving forward without ever reaching the desired destination. Because you are constantly at your base level of happiness, longing for something more while being unsatisfied with what you have today.

You always think that you'll be satisfied if you have something or someone, but that's not true. You will be on the Hedonic Treadmill, which repeats in cycles. You must escape the Hedonic Treadmill and create lasting happiness. Here are a few habits that help lessen its grip on you.

1. Spend Time with Loved Ones

Humans are socializing creatures. They want to be among people. Spending time with loved ones makes you happier and reduces the Hedonic blues.

2. Make a Move

Your physical body has an impact on your mental wellness. Rather than being a couch potato, take action. Walking, Yoga, swimming, dancing, or jogging are all options. Move your body to boost your levels of happy hormones.

3. Spend Time in Nature

Taking nature walks daily, or simply being in nature can do wonders. It has a calming impact on the body, mind, and spirit. Being surrounded by the nature is the best present you can offer yourself. It is the most rewarding experience.

4. Practise Gratitude

Be grateful for everything you have. Feel thankful for the opportunity to see the next day, for having lovely family and friends, for having food and shelter, and so on. Even the tiniest detail matters. Feel glad for whatever you have. Every night, jot down something that you are thankful for. Instead of focusing on what you lack, consider what you do have. This has a significant impact on your life and happiness levels.

5. Do Good to Others

Start volunteering and helping others. Small spontaneous acts of kindness will make you and others happy.

6. Be Mindful

Mindfulness enables you to be present at the moment and appreciate the little things in life. This will help you relax, alter your mood, and improve your overall well-being.

7. Minimalism

Being a minimalist will help you simplify and focus on what really matters. This boosts your overall well-being and eventually makes you lead an everlasting happy life.

Conclusion

Happiness is a journey, not a destination. The Hedonic Treadmill is a much more difficult trap to escape. To be joyful, you must focus on the now rather than dwelling on what might happen in the future. This is how you can make the happiness set point change in a favourable way over time and enjoy lasting bliss.