Hedonic Adaptation: How To STAY Happy | Being Well Podcast

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 Hanson and I consider the human tendency to return to the same basic level of happiness regardless of recent positive or negative experiences–also known as hedonic adaptation–and how to contend with it so we can get off the hedonic treadmill onto what Rick calls the hedonic escalator.

Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
2:15 What is hedonic adaptation?
6:15 Three factors of happiness
9:35 Survey of various research on hedonic adaptation and subjective well-being
19:55 Financial circumstances and relationships
26:35 How to sustain happiness - loving, knowing, growing
37:25 The single most effective intervention to hedonic adaptation
40:45 Forrest’s take on how lasting change happens
44:30 Antidote experiences and improving memory
47:25 Can we actually become happier?
50:20 Recap

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[canadianhappyinitalytruest]

Hey, I hope one of you reads these comments because I just wanna say (in such a complimentary way) that Rick sometimes sounds like he’s the super smart, still kind of high, totally caring and cheerleading friend we all wished we had. And Forest is the super smart, totally caring and laying out a structured plan for you to get home safely kind of friend we all wished we had. I’m short you guys both are wonderful together. Keep this fabulous work up!!

[credx]

I have been enjoying your podcasts with Rick so much. I have been subscribed to Rick’s newsletters for years and simply love the comfort of his advice- he really does reassure that everything will be alright.
Listening to you speak on gratitude (my favourite technique for happiness as I do finds it comes naturally to me- for that I am grateful 😋) was so moving- including how grateful you feel to work with your Dad actually made me tear up. Every show you can tell how much you both enjoy working together and it’s a treat to listen to. All the best to you both. I’m grateful for all the positivity and guidance you share with the world

[vin.handle]

My four factors for happiness are partly based on the Greek philosopher Epicurus.
1. Financial security
2. Good health
3. Friendships
4. Being surrounded by beauty
I try to work on these four factors in small ways each day. Small, gradual improvements are essential since one is not likely to hit a home run by achieving dramatic, overnight increases in each factor. Of course, much of life is out of our control so luck pays a critical part in happiness.

[otfinoskiotfinoski]

I recently bought a 40 dollar, two inch thick foam pad that I spread across my matress. Not only do I sleep better but Im grateful for my comfortable bed before I sleep and am grateful and happy with my comfy bed when I wake up and start my day.

[hannahmoore]

This conversation covered so much material in a relatively short time and in a fun, comprehensive way. Oh and being from Santa Cruz County, I loved the shoutout to Verve Coffee.❤

[whitesteele]

Love the laughter! Now off to upgrade the spaghetti self…

[dorishaus]

So thankful for your wisdom and humor!! 😇❤️🤙🏼🌺

[FredalOcampo]

Great episode! I listened to the podcast

[aguedagarciairizar]

As sweet and bright as always, Im afraid I couldnt follow it all up. Maybe too fast for me this time. Maybe just tired! All my respects and warmth

[sunnyadams]

Your introductory mutual appreciation moment brought me to tears. Do you guys adopt adult children? Lol💜