There Are Two Types of Happiness—But Only One Lasts

There are two forms of happiness, but only one leads to lasting joy. Most of us are hooked on the first and forget about the second, leaving us with subpar levels of well-being. The good news? You can do something about it.

The Allure of Hedonic Happiness

Source: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Hedonic happiness—think sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll—captures all the pleasures of the senses: food, money, even fame and popularity. These experiences provide a brief high, followed by a dip that leaves you craving more.

We often link happiness directly to pleasure, imagining it as a series of thrilling, fun, or sensual moments. While hedonic happiness offers delightful bursts of joy, let’s be honest: these moments are short-lived. Once the initial thrill fades, we’re left searching for the next high, whether it’s from a favorite movie or an extravagant meal—the "hedonic treadmill" of chasing fleeting pleasures.

Moreover, we’re often sold the idea that happiness can be bought—that a new gadget or a luxurious vacation will fill the void. However, people in more materialistic societies frequently report feeling less fulfilled, sometimes even more depressed. This highlights the trap of hedonic happiness: while it can be enticing, it often leads to a sense of emptiness when the pleasures fade. So, how can we bring more lasting happiness into our lives?

The Depth of Eudaimonic Happiness

Eudaimonic happiness shifts the focus from personal pleasure to something greater—connection, service, and a sense of purpose. This kind of happiness nourishes us and contributes to a lasting sense of contentment.

Giving to others can even increase well-being beyond what we experience when spending money on ourselves. A revealing experiment published in the journal Science by Professor Elizabeth Dunn at the University of British Columbia showed that participants who received a sum of money and were instructed to spend it on others felt significantly happier than those who spent it on themselves. Neuroscience studies by Jordan Grafman and others also show that the act of giving can be more pleasurable than receiving.

This finding holds true even for infants! A recent study by Lara Aknin and colleagues at the University of British Columbia demonstrated that even children as young as two find greater happiness in giving treats to others than in receiving treats themselves. Remarkably, this trend is observed worldwide, regardless of a country's wealth. A different study showed a strong correlation between the amount of money spent on others and personal well-being—regardless of income, social support, perceived freedom, and national corruption.

The Power of Compassion

Eudaimonia doesn’t mean you have to spend money on others. Any form of support or help can contribute to this happiness. One reason compassion may boost our well-being is that it broadens our perspective beyond ourselves. Research shows that depression and anxiety are linked to a state of self-focus—a preoccupation with “me, myself, and I.” When you do something for someone else, that self-focus shifts to a state of other-focus. Think of the last time you helped someone; chances are, it made you feel great, no matter how you felt before that.

Moreover, cultivating compassion can enhance our sense of connection to others. One telling study showed that a lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure. People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression and enjoy higher self-esteem. They tend to be more empathetic, trusting, and cooperative, creating a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being.

A study by Barbara Fredrickson and Steve Cole reveals an intriguing truth: individuals who derive happiness primarily from hedonic pursuits have inflammation levels similar to those experiencing chronic stress. In contrast, people who find joy through meaningful connections and a sense of purpose—what we call eudaimonic happiness—show significantly lower inflammation levels. This suggests that deeper fulfillment provides a protective effect on our well-being.

Finding Your Balance

Consider happiness like a meal: a decadent dessert may provide instant pleasure, but a wholesome meal leaves you feeling energized and satisfied. If we chase only short-term pleasures, we might feel excited for a moment but ultimately drained. Eudaimonic happiness, on the other hand, fosters deeper joy that lasts.

Research by Ryff and Singer (2008) highlights that integrating both hedonic and eudaimonic elements into our lives leads to better psychological health and life satisfaction. They suggest that balancing these two forms of happiness enhances our overall well-being, creating a richer experience of life. Both hedonic and eudaimonic pursuits have their place; they enrich our lives in different ways, and finding the right balance is key.

Happiness Essential Reads

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Simple Steps to Cultivate Meaning

1. Connect with Loved Ones: Make time for family and friends. Share meaningful conversations and experiences that strengthen your bonds.
2. Give Back: Look for opportunities to serve your community. Volunteering can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
3. Explore Spirituality: Whether through organized religion, personal reflection, or an appreciation of nature and art, nurturing your spiritual side can add depth to your life.
4. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you’re thankful for. This shift in focus can help you appreciate what truly matters.
5. Seek Growth: Invest in self-discovery and personal development. Pursue activities that challenge you and bring a sense of accomplishment.

Embracing a Holistic View of Happiness

Enjoy both the thrill of pleasure and the richness of meaning. By embracing this balance, you can navigate the beautiful landscape of happiness, creating a life that’s not just fun—but profoundly fulfilling.