Thanksgiving 2023: Beating Hedonic Adaptation

Learning a new term that describes a phenomenon we were marginally aware of can bring about epiphanies. This was the case for me earlier this year when I heard about “hedonic adaptation” in an online class on “The Science of Well-Being.” 

What is hedonic adaptation and why is it relevant on Thanksgiving? Here’s the gist: Over time, even the things that bring us joy can wear off. They get old. Our appreciation fades and we get blasé about our blessings. Hedonists, we want more. And it never ends.

We should fight our tendency toward hedonic adaptation.

The idea of the good things in our lives wearing off has implications for the practice of gratitude, something Joe and I try to employ every day.

Like many of you, I have learned that gratitude wards off whining about everyday life, puts problems in perspective, and makes us better people. Gratitude is transformational, and not just on Thanksgiving. It may even extend our lives.

But is simply ticking off the things we are grateful for all it takes to make us truly thankful? 

Lately, I noticed that my everyday appreciation was lacking. It felt like I was going through the motions, rattling off items without there being enough depth to back me up. My gratitude felt a bit hollow, a series of half-hearted gestures.

Enter the concept of savoring. In my short time with Psychology Professor Laurie Santos, I learned that the antidote to a worn-out practice of gratitude is savoring. About 4.2 million other people have enrolled in her free online class, Yale’s most popular offering ever -- so she must be onto something. Professor Santos suggested a number of tactics for savoring what makes us happy -- including journaling and taking photos. 

As it is now the holiday season and I along with many of you relish this time every year, it would be nothing short of hedonic adaptation to take any of it for granted. Instead, let’s savor it all.

This Thanksgiving, instead of just rattling off what I’m grateful for before digging into turkey, I want to reflect on what I may have gotten used to that needs to be savored.

Including the mashed potatoes. Happy Thanksgiving.