As human beings, we tend to adapt to our surroundings and the circumstances we find ourselves in. This phenomenon is known as the adaptation level phenomenon (ALP) and can have a significant impact on our perception of the world around us.
ALP is defined as the tendency of people to become accustomed to a particular level of stimulation or situation, to the point where it becomes the norm or baseline. This means that we will adjust our expectations and become more tolerant of situations that were once considered negative or uncomfortable.
For example, imagine you’ve been living in a small apartment with no access to natural light or outdoor space. Over time, you may adjust to this living situation and accept it as the norm. However, if you were to move into a larger home with an outdoor patio and plenty of natural sunlight, this new living situation would be considered a luxury and something to be appreciated.
This phenomenon can also apply to our emotional and mental states. If we experience high levels of stress or anxiety over an extended period, we may adapt to this level of emotional intensity and accept it as normal. However, if we take steps to decrease our stress levels, we will quickly realize how much we were previously struggling.