Psychology: There are 2 types of happiness – and only one is sustainable
Most of us strive to feel happy all the time in life. Why this doesn't make us content in the long run, and what the two different types of happiness have to do with it.
We humans want to be happy. We want to feel content, to experience as many positive and as few negative emotions as possible. But sustainable contentment actually has less to do with constant feelings of happiness than we think. To understand this, we need to look at the two main forms of happiness. In her book "Sovereign: Reclaim your Freedom, Energy and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty and Chaos," Yale and Stanford professor Dr. Emma Seppälä distinguishes between hedonistic and eudaimonic happiness.
How the 2 forms of happiness differAccording to Seppälä, hedonistic happiness refers to short-term feelings of happiness. These can be triggered by a glass of wine and a pizza, for example, or by consumption, such as buying a new handbag. These are usually enjoyable, but only last for a short time.
Eudaimonic happiness, on the other hand, is the form of satisfaction we feel when we help others and/or when we feel a sense of purpose and do something in line with our values. This form of satisfaction, Seppälä explains, is more sustainable than hedonistic happiness.
The hedonistic treadmillThe problem: Most of us primarily strive for hedonistic happiness. It allows us to experience quick and intense feelings of happiness, for example, when we eat our favorite chocolate to feel better. When this high wears off, a feeling of emptiness often sets in. We immediately chase the next pleasant feeling. According to Dr. Seppälä, this phenomenon is called the hedonistic treadmill.
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This is where eudaimonic happiness comes into play, which can help us find joy in something greater: in connection, the feeling of doing something good for others, and a sense of meaning in our lives. "This form of happiness nourishes us and contributes to a lasting sense of contentment," says the Yale and Stanford professor.
Constant pursuit of happiness: How do we get out of it?It's not about devoting our lives entirely to the service of others. Any form of support—no matter how small—can also bring us satisfaction.
A study from Florida even showed that people who experience happiness primarily through hedonistic means exhibit high levels of inflammation in their bodies – comparable to those experiencing chronic stress. However, those who focus more on eudaimonic happiness, that is, connections that do us good and a sense of purpose, exhibit lower levels of inflammation. So, even on a physical level, it's good for us to commit to something greater and shape our lives according to our personal values, rather than simply pursuing pleasant feelings.
Of course, that doesn't mean we have to completely eliminate pleasure from our lives. Of course, we can and should enjoy our favorite food, look forward to our vacation, and enjoy our new dress. But it's all about balance: It becomes unhealthy when we rely on these quick highs for long-term happiness. To feel truly content, we need eudaimonic happiness.
mbl Brigitte
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