Co-regulation — the calming of our nervous system through connection with a regulated other — is one of the most powerful and underappreciated hedonic treadmill interventions.
What Co-Regulation Is and Why It Matters for Hedonic Treadmill
Humans are social mammals whose nervous systems are literally designed to be regulated through connection. When someone calm and safe is with us, our nervous systems naturally mirror theirs.
This is why hedonic treadmill tends to worsen in isolation and improve with genuine connection.
Co-Regulation in Hedonic Treadmill Treatment
The therapeutic relationship provides co-regulation — a calm, regulated presence that directly helps the client's nervous system settle during hedonic treadmill.
Safe relationships in daily life serve the same function. This is part of why social isolation is so damaging for hedonic treadmill.
Building Co-Regulatory Relationships for Hedonic Treadmill
- Identify people whose presence tends to calm rather than activate your hedonic treadmill
- Intentionally spend time with these people during difficult hedonic treadmill periods
- Pets provide co-regulation for many people with hedonic treadmill
- Therapeutic relationships (therapist, psychiatrist) provide professional co-regulation