The Happiness Cure: Why You’re Not Built for Constant Happiness, and How to Find a Way Through

by Anders Hansen

As a species, we've never had it so good. We're living longer and healthier lives than ever before; the sum of human knowledge and endless entertainment are only ever a few clicks away.

So why are we in the midst of a mental health crisis?

The Happiness Cure offers a radical new way to think about fulfilment. Blending neuroscientific research and empirical breakthroughs with stories of ordinary individuals, leading psychiatrist and viral TedX speaker Dr Anders Hansen reveals that by adopting an evolutionary take on life, we can re-set our perspective on happiness to find longer-term meaning and lasting contentment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Audiobook, Science, Mental Health, Education

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2023

About the author

Anders Erik Hansen (born 1974) is a Swedish psychiatrist.

Reviews

[Tor Pothecary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly standard self-help book that runs along many of the same lines that the book "Sapiens" does but with a focus on self-help instead. Contains a number of rather obvious pieces of advice but that remain true none-the-less: eat well, sleep well and exercise well e.g. There is nothing really in this book that is particuarly revolutionary or special but it offers a nice combination of evolutionary theory and mental health.

[Relebone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed my perspective on happiness and helped me find peace with not being happy all the time. I enjoyed knowing the science behind this phenomenon—what a relief to learn I am not defective and that my brain is working exactly as it should be! A book which will free many.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

hot girl walk + yap sesh = perfect health

a little too “your brain is wired for xyz from our hunter gatherer days” but I liked the overall message and the reminder that you don’t need to overhaul your life to feel better, it can be small and relatively simple actions. does this mean I will take this advice? possibly, but no promises
3.5

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5*
I'm really enjoying Hansen's writing. It's scientifically proven, witty, educational - everything i'm looking for in a non-fiction book. "The Happiness Cure" makes no difference albeit it got a bit repetitive towards the end, but i really liked the take-home message and especially the short chapter about the author's top 10 insights.

[Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a captivating journey through the complexities of mental well-being, unveiling the intricate workings of our minds in relation to emotions, anxiety, depression, and the pursuit of happiness. Despite a somewhat misleading title, suggesting a direct route to perpetual joy, the book offers a nuanced exploration of factors influencing our mental states.

Hansen asserts that our brains are not wired for constant happiness; rather, they are evolutionary products designed for survival. Throughout the book, he intertwines scientific insights with practical advice, shedding light on various facets of our mental landscape.

The fundamental concept of fleeting feelings of well-being being evolutionarily advantageous is explored, highlighting how these emotions keep us attuned to potential threats and opportunities. The book addresses anxiety, encouraging readers to perceive it not as a danger but as a tool for personal growth.

Depression takes center stage, with Hansen linking inflammation to milder symptoms. His unique perspective on inflammation as a thermostat for our feelings adds a fresh layer to the discussion. The book also emphasizes the importance of physical activity in maintaining mental health, positioning exercise as a potent antidote to depression and anxiety.

Loneliness emerges as a critical theme, with compelling research demonstrating its detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. The impact of social media on loneliness is explored, revealing the perils of constant comparison and the distorted realities presented online.

Hansen's discussions on exercise provide a balanced view, acknowledging its varying effects on individuals. He offers practical advice, suggesting that even a minimal commitment to physical activity can offer protective benefits against depression.

The book concludes with reflections on our predilection for believing in destiny and the perpetual pursuit of happiness. Hansen challenges societal norms, urging readers to question cultural ideals and advertising messages that may fuel unrealistic expectations.

This is a thought-provoking journey into the intricate workings of the human mind. Despite its slight departure from the anticipated focus on happiness, the book offers valuable insights into depression, anxiety, and the role of physical activity. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of mental well-being, providing a nuanced perspective on the complex interplay of emotions in our lives.

[Soraya Nurfitria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it when I was in the peak of constant stress for year due to stress. And I’ve been questioning how it affected me in the long run. I like how the author explains it back from our ancestors, that we need to see some of things that we find not beneficial for modern humans (for example stress, depression, inflammation, etc) are beneficial for them.

In the end I could see all those negative inheritance into a new postive light and it’s part of us being humans. Now I can see depression and stress as a good thing that we just need to learn to manage.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very very good popular science book that explains in depth how homo sapiens‘ hardwares work.

[Annewil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prima luisterboek. Ik denk als ik dit normaal had gelezen ik in slaap was gevallen

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blinkist book of the day

“human happiness and emotional experiences are deeply rooted in evolutionary survival strategies. Our bodies and brains, designed primarily for survival and reproduction, often express ancient survival mechanisms as modern emotional responses, such as anxiety and depression. 

Physical fitness not only enhances overall health but also significantly lowers the risk of depression by influencing the body’s stress-response systems. And happiness is more likely to be found when not directly pursued, as focusing too much on achieving it often leads to disappointment. Engaging in meaningful activities without the pressure of constant happiness leads to a more sustainable well-being.”

[Ariana Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what an interesting read!
I guess the biggest take home message from this whole book is to exercise, get outside and talk to people.

All of which human beings (usually) already know. But don’t always listen to.

The book was a bit too repeated for my liking, hence the loss of one star. But all in all a super informative, biologically based book about our brains and why people aren’t happy these days.

[Tommie Trelawny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book with very sound observations into why we all are so stressed and anxious – it’s how we are built. A little woolly in some areas, and the “happiness” section is dealt with very late into the book. Overall, would heartily recommend.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the immense technological advancements and material wealth of our modern world, happiness remains elusive for many. Depression and anxiety rates are climbing, even as we live longer, healthier lives with unprecedented access to information and opportunities. This paradox—why we struggle emotionally despite living in comfort—lies at the heart of Anders Hansen's exploration into mental health. By delving into our evolutionary past, Hansen reveals that our ancient biological programming often clashes with the demands of modern life, making lasting happiness harder to achieve.

Our ancestors, shaped by the harsh realities of survival, passed down traits that prioritized staying alive and reproducing over personal health or happiness. The evolutionary pressures faced by these early humans, such as Eve—a hypothetical proto-human in East Africa—are deeply embedded in our genes. For them, hypervigilance, robust immune responses, and adaptability to harsh environments were essential. These traits, although crucial for survival then, manifest today as stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in a world that no longer resembles the dangerous wilderness of their time.

Modern humans, with brains wired for ancient threats, find themselves struggling in an environment filled with psychological stressors rather than physical dangers. This disconnect explains why our emotions—designed as survival tools—often feel misaligned with our current lives. Feelings like fear, sadness, and even happiness evolved to serve specific survival functions, guiding our ancestors toward food, safety, or reproduction. However, these emotions were never meant to provide lasting contentment. Temporary satisfaction, like the fleeting joy of a successful hunt or a full stomach, ensured continued effort and vigilance for future challenges. Today, this evolutionary wiring contributes to our constant striving and restlessness, even when basic needs are met.

The role of emotions in survival is further highlighted through the brain's mechanisms, such as the amygdala and the insula. These regions process sensory information and internal signals to generate feelings that guide behavior. For example, the amygdala's quick reaction to danger, like jumping away from an oncoming bus, is a lifesaving adaptation. Similarly, the insula integrates physical states like hunger with external stimuli, ensuring our actions align with survival needs. These systems, while essential in prehistoric contexts, now influence our emotional experiences in ways that can feel overwhelming or out of place.

Depression, a pervasive mental health issue, is another example of an evolutionary trait that may have served a purpose. Affecting millions worldwide, depression can be seen as a state of energy conservation that helped our ancestors cope with stress and infection risks. Stress, often linked to depression, historically signaled potential dangers, prompting immune responses and behavioral changes to preserve energy for recovery. While this adaptive mechanism was beneficial in ancient times, it manifests today as a complex and often debilitating condition. Modern triggers like chronic stress, social pressures, and genetic predispositions interact with these ancient systems, resulting in the mental health struggles we see today.

Fortunately, Hansen emphasizes the profound impact of physical fitness on mental well-being. Studies show that regular exercise not only strengthens the body but also reduces the risk of depression by regulating the brain's stress-response system, particularly the HPA axis. Exercise helps stabilize cortisol levels, enhance brain regions like the hippocampus and frontal lobe, and improve emotional resilience. Moreover, it enriches the quality of internal signals to the brain, fostering positive feelings and reducing the likelihood of negative emotions. Incorporating physical activity into daily life thus becomes a powerful tool for maintaining mental health.

Hansen also challenges conventional ideas about happiness, arguing that it’s not a constant state of pleasure but rather a balance of satisfaction and purpose. The pursuit of happiness often backfires, as heightened expectations lead to disappointment. Instead, happiness emerges naturally when we focus on meaningful activities and embrace life's ups and downs. Social comparisons, advertising, and unrealistic ideals can distort our perception of happiness, making it seem unattainable. However, by lowering expectations and investing in purposeful endeavors, we can cultivate a more sustainable sense of well-being.

In conclusion, "The Happiness Cure" provides a compelling framework for understanding our emotional experiences through the lens of evolution. Our feelings, shaped by millennia of survival needs, are both tools for navigating life and sources of modern discontent. By aligning our actions with these ancient instincts—through exercise, purpose-driven activities, and realistic expectations—we can better adapt to contemporary challenges and find a more authentic path to happiness.

[Ahmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished The Happiness Cure, and it really resonated with me. What I appreciated most was how it reframed happiness, not as something we’re failing at, but as something our brains were never designed to maintain 24/7.

The writing is clear and relatable, and I loved how the author used real research without making it feel overwhelming or overly academic. The explanations around stress, anxiety, and modern life felt especially relevant. It made me reflect on how much our environment has changed... technology, comparison, loneliness, constant stimulation, while our brains are still operating on ancient programming.

That said, a few of the practical recommendations weren’t exactly new to me (more exercise, meaningful social interaction, nature, slowing down). But the difference is that now they feel biologically justified, not just motivational-poster advice. Understanding the “why” behind it makes the habits feel more worth committing to.

This book didn’t magically “cure” anything, but it did make me feel more human, more understood, and more patient with myself. For anyone who feels like happiness is a personal achievement they aren’t measuring up to, this book offers a healthier, more compassionate lens.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: I thought this was a good book on finding contentment, not necessarily happiness. There is a lot of science and psychology here, but it’s presented in an easy-to-read format that is understandable even for those of us without psychology degrees. He goes into the history of mankind and why we’re not wired for constant happiness. He also explores the reasons behind anxiety, depression, and loneliness. I found it interesting that he equates long-term loneliness with an increase risk of death that is akin to smoking. But in the end, the best things we can do for ourselves are to eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Those are the paths to happiness.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

@zeitgeist #partner

@penguinrandomhouse #partner

[Zsuzsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meglepően jó könyv, először azt hittem, a szorongásról fog pszichológiai közhelyeket puffogtatni, majd bedob a végére pár technikát is, de amikor már az elején a szerző tudományos magyarázattal érvelt, hogy az embert hogyan és mire „kalibrálta” az evolúció, meg hogy korántsem a boldogság a cél, hanem a túlélésed, és ennek érdekében mi hogyan működik benned, akkor tudtam, hogy ez végig leköt és érdekel. Nem számítottam arra, hogy ilyen tematika és cím alatt ennyi fontos, valahogyan mégis – szerintem eléggé mellőzött – összefüggéssel fogok találkozni. Olyan összefüggésekkel (pl. mint a depresszió és testmozgás kapcsolata) amiket a test még mindig tud, de a modern ember tudatából kimosta ezt a tudást az átalakult világ.
A könyv fontosságát és erősségét az adja, hogy a szerző tudományos érvekkel, kutatásokkal magyarázza el, hogyan és miért alakulnak ki bennünk az olyan védekező mechanizmusok (és nem működési hibák) mint a szorongás, a magány, a depresszió. Ha ezeket ilyen szinten is megértjük, akkor talán közelebb érezzük magunkhoz azokat az eszközöket is, amiket felhasználhatunk.

[SunnyPDX · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for the review copy @penguinrandomhouse! This book is an evolutionary-based review of human happiness. The author offers insights about the connections between physiological health/mental health and the need for connection, eating well, sleep and focus. One section was problematic for me- in the “do we feel worse than ever?” Chapter, the author turns to a study which compared women in rural/metropolitan areas in Canada, Nigeria and the US. Women in the metro area of the US (under age 45) felt worse, the study shows. While the author cautions about drawing too many conclusions (ah! I thought- here is where he will talk about the burdens of anti-family friendly policies on women of childbearing age in the US) he instead posits that people with faltering self-esteem and anxiety may move to metropolitan areas in an attempt to remedy these feelings. Overall, this book was well-researched (lots of resources and research studies are noted)- but that one section had me wishing the author had also connected the very real impact of policies on happiness as well.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book written by a psychiatrist who really looks at the evolutionary reasons for anxiety and depression. Anders points out how our brains have protected us throughout time by being on the alert and with other behaviors that can hurt us in our modern world. He also debunks the serotonin and dopamine lines that we hear so much (I appreciated the line that our brains are not soups of three ingredients out of balance) but does talk about how much inflammation and lack of exercise do lead to depression for biological reasons. He also points out why loneliness is such an issue and why we are not even designed for some sort of constant state of happiness (then we would stop working towards good things, like if a banana made us feel eternally full we would stop eating). Lots of interesting stuff, good information, and easy to understand elements.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

[Natisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right
Henry Ford"

This is a well-researched work simplifies multiple sources of research, into clearly defined easy ro digest chapters. These are clearly mapped to explain the different factors impacting the individual's need for happiness.

Any book that delves so deeply into the neuroscience and evolution could easily end up as dry as a textbook but @andershansen avoided this but providing smaller chunks of information in simple terms that are written with the common reader in mind.

This books explores anxiety and why this is a sign of your brain functioning as it should and the importance of exercise and hope in preventing depression and overall is a fascinating look at the complexities of the human brain and our space in the evolution cycle.


Definitely pick this up to gain insight into what makes you, you - it truly will change the way that you look at mental health.

Thank you to Penguin Books South Africa for affording me the opportunity to read this.

[Siew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depression could also be due to a physiological factor - long-term inflammation ie. Prolonged exposure to stress. Social and environmental factors can affect inflammation signals within our body.

Socialising more with loved ones helps prevent depression such that it reduces feelings of loneliness. We evolved into social creatures because it is crucial for survival.

Exercising bolsters us from depression such that it gives us micro amounts of stress from exercising, conditioning our bodies to gradually improve in the way that it deals with the inflammation signals.

This read motivated me to put more effort into exercising and socialising with my loved ones.

[evangelina navarro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book argues that the path to true happiness is not about constantly chasing a state of bliss, but rather, about finding satisfaction with life's direction and having a sense of long-term purpose. Hansen makes a compelling case that our ancient biological needs drive many of our modern behaviors and emotions, even if they seem out of sync with contemporary life.

Our modern quests for achievements or material gains never truly satiate us and they're not meant to. Feelings of wellbeing are designed to be temporary, pushing us to continually adapt and strive. Our emotions are both vital survival tools and sources of perpetual restlessness.

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Enlightening and informative; presented in just about enough plain English for me to keep up but going into more neurological and biological detail than other books on mental health to help provide a comprehensive and persuasive outlook on our mental health behaviours and triggers.

I would have liked more on how we can feel happier in the modern world (rather than just reassuring us that anxiety/depression is a sign our brain is functioning properly, and showing us how we can reduce our risk of these two conditions), but I understand why Anders chose not to go down that route. 

[Karma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author has done a great job on synthesizing the studies on emotional well being. The importance of physical movement has been important but the depth of the studies mentioned here convinced me that I need to do more in this regard. I think this is easy to read book which anyone will benefit from.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This doesn't impact my opinion in any way.

[Thomas Zegray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the author always stressed that anyone suffering from depression, anxiety etc. 'is not broken' . I know that the first thing that goes through your mind is that something is wrong and the panic button is pressed. Happiness is always a goal but never guaranteed and thanks to the author it reassuring to know that you just need to keep working at living in the moment and skipping past the negative thoughts and feelings...

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A therapy rec! This book changed the way I think about depression and anxiety and “what’s wrong with me?!” The doc frames these disorders in a biological perspective that makes everything make sense and takes a lot of shame out of the discussion. It’s definitely one I had to take my time with and take breaks from so I could process fully, but for what it is, this book hit the spot.

[Amy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really interesting ideas and perspectives, I particularly liked the chapter on anxiety and the introductory chapters. The book began to falter towards the end as it felt a bit repetitive and like the author had ran out of original ideas but was trying to drag the book out. The chapter “Do we feel worse than ever” concluded that we should connect to people more and exercise, which does not really feel very profound in the face of more original ideas in the beginning of the book. Nice ending chapter and insights but maybe should have been longer conclusion seen as that was the purpose of the book. Overall, I would read the first half of the book again but the second half could take it or leave it.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takeaway: you can't be happy for an extended length of time. Evolution doesn't permit it. Happiness will always be a transitory emotion so don't feel bad you don't feel happy every minute of the day.

I find that comforting in a way.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I found some of the stories interesting, I found the book to repeat itself a lot. I also thought it was more about feeling fulfilled not happiness. It was a interesting read with interesting ideas but not to achieve happiness in my opinion.

[bbbbbb☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fascinating

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading with a lot of points for reflection. I like the idea of starting from the origin of the human being and walking through the transition journey of our brain.

[Eva Gachus]

This is why I'm never constantly happy.