Is dopamine good or bad....?
Many clients enjoy a morning walk with friends both the talking kind and the barking breed. We are told of all the positives and there are many. Walking outside boosts vitality and gives you more energy helping you to mentally set yourself up for the day. The crisp air invigorates your senses, and the rhythmic motion of your steps can clear your mind, allowing you to focus better on tasks ahead. This daily ritual not only enhances physical health but also fosters a deeper connection with the world around you, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. One of the reasons that this morning ritual is beneficial is that exercising releases chemicals which are part of the of our neuro transmitter network for both Dopamine and serotonin.
But what does that even mean, we always hear these words but what to the actually do. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that works in the brain. It helps nerve cells send messages to each other. It's produced by cells deep in the brain and acts on cells in other parts of the brain. Dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions. Healthy activities that make you feel good will raise dopamine. These include exercise, meditation and getting enough sleep.
The problem is dopamine unfortunately can also have negative concequesces. Dopamine is also released when on our devices leading to a potential for addiction. The instant gratification and rewards that apps provide can create a cycle where the brain craves more and more stimulation. This can result in excessive gaming, and screen time which might interfere with daily responsibilities, social interactions, and overall well-being. Once we acknowledge this we can reset these However, understanding the impact of dopamine is crucial in finding a balance. By setting healthy boundaries and being mindful of gaming habits, individuals can enjoy the positive aspects of gaming without falling into the trap of addiction. Moreover, games designed with educational purposes or those that promote physical activity and social connection can harness the power of dopamine in a beneficial way. The problem is when dopamine is released we want more of it so it starts a behaviour chain reaction that makes you want to repeat that activity. So we need to be cautious and limit ourselves to the dopamine releases associated with screens and find activities that release dopamine that nurture our creative brains.
Ultimately, it's about using this knowledge to foster positive experiences and make informed choices that contribute to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The idea of a 'dopamine detox' has become popular recently. It is when you avoid pleasure triggers such as junk food or social media for a period of time. The idea is to reset your brain and to make you enjoy healthy pleasures and not be tempted by addictive behaviours. You can't really 'detox' from dopamine as it will always be in your brain, but the idea of being aware of your choices and habits can still help you to live the way you really want to. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, we rarely allow ourselves to be alone with our thoughts. Constantly stimulating our minds with engaging media may inhibit our ability to think deeply, reflect on our lives, and tap into our innate creativity. We need to create space for introspection and accept boredom with open arms as an invitation to pause, take a step back, and reconnect with our authentic selves. SO the next time. Even as adults we pick up that phone a bit too often, start scrolling on instagram. They are designed to draw us in. So next time stop...
