Hedonic Adaptation: Causes, Critiques, and How to Stay Happy
We’ve talked on this show about lots of ways we can be happier over time, but one of the hardest things to do is to STAY happy as the events of life wash over us. On today’s episode of Being Well, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson explore "hedonic adaptation" - our tendency to return to a stable baseline of happiness - and discuss how we can get off the "hedonic treadmill."
Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.
Key Topics:
0:00: Introduction
2:25: What is hedonic adaptation?
6:25: Three factors of happiness
9:45: Survey of various research on hedonic adaptation and subjective well-being
19:55: Financial circumstances and relationships
27:35: How to sustain happiness - loving, knowing, growing
38:15: The single most effective intervention to fight hedonic adaptation
41:30: Forrest’s take on how lasting change happens
45:00: Antidote experiences and improving memory
47:50: Can we actually become happier?
51:00: Recap
Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.
Sponsors:
Visit athleticgreens.com/BEINGWELL to take ownership over your health, and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance!
Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month!
Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.
Take care of your long-term health, and get the probiotic rooted in the latest microbiome science from Pendulum. Visit pendulumlife.com and use code BEINGWELL for 20% off your first month of membership.
Discover your full genetic potential by uploading your existing DNA test results at genomelink.io. No trial period, no credit card, and no hidden fees!
Connect with the show: