If you’ve ever wondered why moments of happiness seem fleeting or why we often find ourselves back at a familiar emotional baseline despite life’s ups and downs, you’re about to delve into the fascinating world of hedonic adaptation. Coined by Brickman and Campbell in their seminal article “Hedonic Relativism and Planning the Good Society” (1971), the term refers to our innate tendency to acclimate to new experiences and swiftly return to a stable level of contentment, regardless of the highs and lows we encounter.
As we journey through this article, we’ll discover how this psychological phenomenon affects our perceptions of happiness, leaving us perpetually chasing more intense stimuli to rekindle the emotions we crave. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the hedonic treadmill and its profound implications on human well-being.
The hedonic treadmill is a metaphor for the human tendency to pursue one pleasure after another, only to find that our happiness levels eventually return to their baseline. This is because our brains adapt to new experiences, and what once brought us joy eventually becomes routine.
Material possessions
In Sri Lanka, the hedonic treadmill can be seen in many aspects of our culture. For example, many Sri Lankans are constantly striving to achieve more material possessions, such as a bigger house, a newer car, or a more expensive smartphone. However, once these possessions are acquired, they often fail to bring lasting happiness. This is because our brains quickly adapt to new possessions, and they soon become just another part of our everyday lives. The hedonic treadmill can also be seen in our relationships. Many Sri Lankans are constantly looking for new romantic partners, believing that they will find true happiness with someone else. However, the reality is that no relationship can ever be perfect, and eventually, even the most fulfilling relationships will become routine.
So, what can we do to break the hedonic treadmill and find lasting happiness? One way is to focus on non-materialistic sources of happiness, such as spending time with loved ones, helping others, or pursuing our passions. Another way is to be grateful for what we already have, rather than constantly striving for more.
Here are some specific tips for breaking the hedonic treadmill in Sri Lanka:
l Focus on experiences, not possessions. Instead of buying new things, try to have new experiences, such as traveling, trying new foods, or learning a new skill. These experiences will give you more lasting happiness than a new car or a new phone.
l Spend time with loved ones. Our relationships are one of the most important sources of happiness in our lives. Make sure to spend quality time with the people you love, and let them know how much you appreciate them.
l Help others. Helping others is a great way to connect with our community and make a difference in the world. It can also give us a sense of purpose and satisfaction, which can boost our happiness levels.
l Be grateful for what you have. It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have, but it’s important to remember all the good things in our lives. Make a habit of practicing gratitude, and you’ll be surprised at how much happier you feel.
Breaking the hedonic treadmill is not easy, but it’s possible. By focusing on non-materialistic sources of happiness, spending time with loved ones, helping others, and being grateful for what we have, we can find lasting happiness in our lives.
In conclusion, the hedonic treadmill is a real phenomenon that can affect our happiness levels. However, it’s possible to break the treadmill by focusing on non-materialistic sources of happiness, spending time with loved ones, helping others, and being grateful for what we have.
Chathuri Sarathchandra