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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Health
Adrienne Matei

Are little treats feeling less exciting? Here’s how to harness small joys

cake
‘Anticipation activates dopamine long before your treat arrives.’ Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

Americans say they’re more dissatisfied with life than ever before.

Anhedonia, a loss of enjoyment in usually pleasurable things, and hypernormalization, the experience of daily life amid disconcerting societal change, can lower one’s wellbeing. Even “little treats” – accessible delights like a walk, a piece of cake, a streaming binge – can stop feeling good in this context.

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