There are Two Types of Happiness But Only One Last

Some psychologists believe that there are two different forms of happiness, these are; Hedonic and Eudaimonic happiness but only the latter last. Unfortunately, most people are hooked on Hedonic happiness which is the happiness derived from the pleasures of the senses- sight, smell, touch, and hearing. Hedonic happiness is fun but quite short. Striking a balance between these two forms of happiness can help create a life that is fun and fulfilling.

Hedonic Happiness- What Is it All About?

Hedonic happiness derived from pleasures like sex, drugs, and music captures all the pleasures of the senses. We all crave food, money, and popularity sometimes though the intensity of pursuing such happiness varies from one person to another. These experiences only provide a brief high followed by a sharp decline that leaves you craving more.

We always link happiness to pleasure making it seem like a series of sensual and fun activities. While Hedonic happiness provides a burst of joy, we should be honest about its short-lived moments. Once the thrills fade, we start looking for the next high. It’s always about chasing fleeting pleasures.

We live in a world where we believe that happiness can be bought, for instance; we believe that a new luxury automobile or vacation can always fill the void but in the real sense, materialistic people often report feeling less fulfilled – this often leads to a sense of emptiness. The question is; how do we bring more lasting happiness into our lives?

Eudaimonic Happiness- Happiness with a Lasting Effect

Eudaimonic happiness shifts the intention from personal pleasure to something that lasts longer and that is; a sense of purpose. You can also think about service and connection as part of the drive for Eudaimonic happiness. This is the kind of happiness that nourishes us and contributes to a more fulfilling sense of contentment.

Giving to others out of our abundance or little can also increase our sense of well-being beyond what we feel when spending money on ourselves. Keep in mind, that Eudaimonic happiness is not only achieved by giving, it can also be achieved through voluntary activities and fighting a course to bring positive and lasting changes to people’s lives.

An experiment conducted and published in the Journal of Science by Professor Elizabeth Dunn at the University of British Columbia showed that participants who received some money and were instructed to spend it on others felt significantly happier than those instructed to spend on themselves. This goes a long way to teach us that giving can be more fulfilling than seeking temporary happiness.

The Power of Compassion

The pursuit of Eudaimonic happiness doesn’t mean you must spend money on others, it is about contributing any form of help to make others happy, so don’t make yourself poor in a bid to make others happy.

One way compassion boosts your well-being is that it broadens your perspective even beyond your comprehension. Since numerous research have linked the state of depression and anxiety to self-focus, you can shift that focus to someone else when you do something for them. Think about the last time you helped someone, does it make you feel better?

Also, cultivating compassion will enhance your sense of connection to others and one research indicated that the lack of social connection is more detrimental to health than illnesses like obesity and high blood pressure. People who feel more connected to others tend to have lower tendencies of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These are the people who tend to be more empathetic, cooperative, and trusting.

Individuals who derive joy and happiness from Hedonic pursuits have been found to develop chronic inflammation comparable to those caused by stress. This goes a long way to show that deeper fulfillment improves our well-being.

Finding a Balance Between Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness

A 2008 research conducted by Ryff and Singer explains how integrating Hedonic and Eudaimonic elements into our lives can lead to better mental and physical health which in turn lead to higher satisfaction.

Both Hedonic and Eudaimonic happiness have their places in our lives, but finding the balance between them is the key. The following are simple steps to cultivate a balance between Hedonic and Eudaimonic happiness.

1. Connect with your loved ones- One of the best possible ways of creating a balance is to connect with your friends and family. Share meaningful conversations with them and strengthen the bonds that hold you together.

2. Give something back- Look for opportunities to give back to the community. This could be volunteering or material substance donations- These tend to provide some sense of fulfillment and purpose.

3. Practice gratitude- reflect on the things you are thankful for and it will help shift your focus to things that truly matter.

4. Explore your spirituality- You can achieve this through personal reflection, organized religion, and appreciating art and nature. Taking this step will add depth to your life.

5. Continuously seek growth and development- You must invest time and resources in self-discovery and personal development. Sometimes you need to do things that challenge you to drive your sense of accomplishment.