In a world where we’re constantly chasing feel-good moments, it’s easy to confuse pleasure with happiness. After all, both make us feel good, right? But what if I told you that both these terminologies have a massive difference, and understanding the difference between pleasure vs happiness could change how you live your life?
It might sound dramatic and doubtful, but it is scientifically proven that pleasure and happiness are different entities that impact our brain functions differently. Let’s explore the real story of pleasure vs happiness and how mixing them can lead us down the wrong path.
At first glance, pleasure vs happiness seem like two words for the same thing. But they are very different when you look closer, especially in how they work in the brain.
Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist and author, has spent years studying this. He says the difference is two powerful brain chemicals: dopamine and serotonin. Both neurotransmitters are responsible for causing a certain feeling in our brain. Though their functions may seem similar, they differ vastly.
Dopamine is the brain’s “reward” chemical. You get a dopamine hit when you eat a doughnut, scroll through Instagram, win a game, or receive a compliment. It feels good, but it’s short-lived.
That’s because dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that fires up your brain. Over time, though, your brain adjusts. The more dopamine you seek, the more you need to get the same high. This leads to tolerance, and in extreme cases, addiction. So, if you follow pleasure, you are always going to need more and more dopamine rush with time.
Serotonin, on the other hand, is the brain’s “contentment” chemical. It’s not about rush; rather, it’s a gradual, steady, and calming presence. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and even memory. It makes you feel grounded and satisfied.
Unlike dopamine, you can’t overdose on serotonin. But here is the kicker: dopamine can suppress serotonin. So the more you chase pleasure, the more you might push happiness away. As Dr. Lustig puts it, “The more pleasure you seek, the more unhappy you get.“
Let’s be honest, modern life is full of dopamine traps. From fast food and caffeine to online shopping and social media, we’re surrounded by things designed to give us quick hits of pleasure.
Take social media influencer Bella Younger, for example. Her book The Accidental Influencer talks about how building her Instagram brand gave her an instant rush. With every like, follower, and brand deal, her dopamine spiked. But behind the scenes, her mental health was falling apart. Eventually, she ended up at The Priory, seeking help for social media addiction.
Her story is a wake-up call. We often believe pleasure will lead to happiness, but it usually doesn’t. That’s because pleasure is temporary, while happiness is sustainable. Pleasure makes you jump from one high to another, while happiness is about the contentment you find within yourself.
Nowadays, social media has made us see a whole different kind of addiction, and Bella Younger is one of the many names that are going through it. So, addiction is not limited only to drugs, but anything that gives you joy, and you are not ready to give up. If you are going through something similar, we recommend you join our course on healing from addictive habits that will help you outgrow your addictive behaviours.
Dr. Lustig outlines seven significant differences between these two emotional states. Let’s break them down:
When you look at these differences, you realise how often we are being sold pleasure under the label of happiness. Ads show smiling faces with fast food, gadgets, or luxury items, suggesting that buying or consuming something will make us happy. But what it really gives us is a brief dopamine hit.
If you are still wondering about the pathway to happiness in life, you can join our course on the topic and get detailed guidance.
There is a reason why so many people feel unfulfilled, even when their lives seem full of fun and entertainment. The constant pursuit of dopamine can make us feel worse over time. Therefore, if you choose pleasure from pleasure vs happiness, it will make you dependent and deprive you of the real happiness.
Have you ever scrolled on your phone for an hour and felt drained afterwards? That’s dopamine burnout. Your brain is tired from chasing short-term rewards. And in that time, it needs something more stimulating than what it has been accustomed to in the past hour.
Even more troubling, our diets often lack the nutrients needed to support serotonin production. Tryptophan, an amino acid that helps make serotonin, is mainly found in foods like eggs, poultry, and fish; foods that are rare in processed diets. So if you are living on snacks, energy drinks, and takeout, you might not be giving your brain the tools it needs to feel truly happy.
So what’s the alternative? How do we stop the endless dopamine chase and build real, lasting happiness? Dr. Lustig suggests focusing on what he calls the Four Cs: Connect, Contribute, Cope, and Cook.
Spend time with people you care about. Hang out with friends, play with your pet, or call someone you miss. Even connecting with yourself through journaling or spiritual practices can help. Human connection boosts serotonin, and it’s free.
Do something meaningful. Help someone out. Donate time or energy to a cause you care about. Acts of kindness and purpose give you a deep sense of happiness that dopamine can’t touch. If you are going through pleasure vs happiness dilema, know that it’s what you give to others that will make you happy in the long run.
Take care of your body and mind. Get enough sleep, practice mindfulness, go for a walk, or do some yoga. Learning to cope with life’s stress in healthy ways strengthens your emotional resilience.
Eat real food. Processed food might give you a quick buzz but robs your body of essential nutrients. Cooking at home, even simple meals, helps your body make serotonin and keeps your brain balanced.
In a pleasure vs happiness battle, it can be hard to choose the right side. So, if you are still not sure where to start? Here are a few more science-backed tips to increase happiness:
Start or end your day by writing down three things you are thankful for. It can be anything, from a sunny day to a nice text from a friend. Studies have shown that this small habit can significantly improve mood, reduce stress, and help you focus on the positive.
You can keep a journal or simply say them out loud. Over time, your brain begins to scan the world for blessings instead of problems.
In today’s digital world, we are constantly plugged in. Mindful breaks like going for a walk, meditating, or simply doing nothing can reset your brain and lower anxiety. Even five minutes of conscious rest can make a difference.
Acts of kindness, no matter how small, release feel-good chemicals in your brain. Compliment someone, help a neighbour, or pay for a stranger’s coffee. Not only do these actions spread positivity, but they also build a sense of purpose and connection, which are essential for long-term happiness.
Humans are social creatures, and meaningful relationships are at the core of lasting happiness. Reach out to old friends, share meals with loved ones, or join a club that aligns with your interests. Whether in person or online, genuine connections make us feel seen, heard, and valued.
It’s not that pleasure is bad, it’s just not enough. A slice of cake, a funny video, or a win in your favourite game can lift your mood. But you might feel emptier when those quick fixes become your source of joy.
Real happiness takes more effort, but it’s worth it. By learning the difference between pleasure vs happiness and choosing serotonin-boosting habits over dopamine-chasing behaviours, you can build a life that’s not just full but truly fulfilling.
So next time you’re tempted to reach for that quick hit of pleasure, ask yourself: Will this make me happy, or just feel good for a moment? That one question could lead to a better, more joyful life.
Yes. Overindulgence in pleasure-seeking behaviours (like excessive social media use, junk food, or shopping) can dull your brain’s response and even lead to addiction, anxiety, or depression by reducing natural serotonin levels.
Eating ice cream is a pleasure. Building a strong relationship with a loved one is happiness. Watching a funny video gives pleasure. Spending a quiet day with family brings happiness. Pleasure is immediate; happiness is lasting.
Yes, mindfulness helps with the pleasure vs happiness issue by making you more aware of your habits and emotional responses. It allows you to pause and ask yourself if you are chasing short-term pleasure or making a choice that supports long-term happiness.
We are here to guide you toward healing, peace, and understanding through the wisdom of Islam. At Sakeena Academy, we combine Quranic knowledge with compassionate support for Muslims facing mental health challenges.
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