Money and all material things will not bring lasting happiness
Undoubtedly, we have thought more than once that money could make our life more delightful. How happy we would be if we had a bigger house, a more successful job, or that expensive car. Everyone has their list, and it is endless. The truth is that eventually, getting these things will not make us happy in the long run. Hedonic adaptation is to blame for this.
Adaptation as a defense mechanism is crucial for our survival. It helps us get used to difficult situations like losing loved ones, illness, sudden loss of work, money, status, etc. Thanks to adaptation, we can continue to live even after natural disasters and wars, search for new meanings and build a life from scratch. Hedonic adaptation works similarly, but we get used to not bad events but joyful ones.
⚡️Happy people put effort into building solid relationships. They enjoy spending time with their loved ones.
Let’s imagine, for example, that you won a fantastic new car in the lottery. At first, your joy and enthusiasm will soar to heaven. You will be over the moon with happiness! But according to research, this state is short-lived, and you will need to get something more than a car to experience it again. Not only will you return to your usual level of happiness, but you may also lose satisfaction from the simple things that delighted you. A morning cup of coffee or a favorite TV show will no longer please you as before. The good news is that hedonic adaptation doesn’t work in the case of enjoying contact with our loved ones. We will never get used to hugs, kisses, and pleasant conversations. It means that even just a short phone conversation with a friend can lift your spirits. The warmth we get from interacting with loved ones reduces stress and helps us cope with difficult situations. That is why it is crucial to share sadness and other complicated feelings. Have fun with friends or family and observe your emotional state afterward. You will feel a little happier.
Did you know? Although it is difficult to determine the duration of happiness, scientists have calculated that a happy hug lasts an average of three seconds.