Earn Your Dopamine
– Jocko
When I heard this the other day, I loved it, and wanted to share a little bit on the subject.
Dopamine addiction is real, and way more common than most think.
Every time you log on to social media is your brain searching for a dopamine hit.
Every time you reach for a sugary food/drink your brain is searching for a dopamine hit.
Dopamine feels good. It’s natural to want it. And yes, there are plenty of healthy ways to get dopamine.
But never in human history has dopamine been so EASY to get.
Phones on us 24/7.
Social Media with its notifications and likes.
Sugary Junk Food literally everywhere and on demand.
Coffee and Energy Drinks with more and more caffeine content.
It doesn’t end. It just keeps growing. And why would it? These companies profits are at risk, so of course they keep the dopamine response high. They don’t care about our health, just that we use their products and raise their bottom line.
But these products don’t have to be pure evil. It’s on us to control our dopamine responses.
The big point being, we used to have to work harder to get a similar dopamine response. The accessibility and ease of which we can now get dopamine is unparalleled.
And the addiction spiral goes on and on. It’s actually the basis of addiction. Each time you do the thing that gets you dopamine, you crave more next time. If you go without it, you crash.
So instead, I challenge you to EARN YOUR DOPAMINE.
What actually is dopamine you might be wondering?
Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a major role in our ability to experience pleasure, motivation, and focus. It is also involved in our body’s reward and pleasure centers. When dopamine levels are balanced, we feel motivated, focused, and happy. However, when dopamine levels are out of balance, it can lead to a range of health issues, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Here are some tips for controlling your dopamine response for better health:
- Exercise regularly. Exercise releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help support healthy dopamine levels. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can cause spikes and crashes in dopamine levels.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for regulating dopamine levels and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Reduce stress. Chronic stress can lead to imbalances in dopamine levels and other neurotransmitters. Try stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Limit alcohol and drug use. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with dopamine levels and can lead to addiction. If you struggle with substance abuse, seek help from a healthcare professional.
- Turn notifications off on your phone. Limit social media.
By following these tips, you can help support healthy dopamine levels and improve your overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your dopamine levels or if you are experiencing any health issues.
I believe in the coming years we’ll see dopamine addiction as a primary cause of many mental illnesses and in general just problems interacting with society. It’s too easy, it feels too good. But there is always a cost of easy.
Yet again, as Jocko preaches, DISCLIPLINE = FREEDOM.
