Are you addicted to Dopamine?

In short? You aren’t, no one is

Although a catchy title, the phrase “Dopamine addiction” is an incorrect definition of hormones, the brain, and frankly, science as we currently know it.

Dopamine is a hormone that is excreted by the brain that helps to reinforce behaviors that we find to be pleasing, or rewarding. This has a benefit that is both life affirming to help keep us alive, but also to help us develop effectively!

One of our brain’s super powers is to become more efficient at noticing patterns, and getting used to routines. Our brain is also programmed to conserve energy at all costs.

Our brain makes these changes, or adapts, based on the input it gets from how we interact with our environment. When we accomplish something difficult: figuring out a puzzle, changing a tire, cleaning the house, finishing a workout - our brain will drop a small bit of dopamine, increasing the value to us, making it more likely that we will repeat that behavior.

The catch? 

Social media videos, highly palatable foods, easy access to information, and an endless news cycle have been created to exploit that same dopamine rush that comes from accomplishment.

And in turn?

Our brains have adapted to this. It’s easy, low energy, and often a low financial cost, getting us to repeat this behavior with no real benefit to our development or making our lives better.

You aren’t addicted to dopamine, but you may be addicted to convenience and the easy way out.

– The bottom line –

Some things in life have been made convenient for us as the human species have evolved, and many of these things for the better. Cars, heating & air conditioning, dishwashers, etc.But some things in life weren’t mean to be ultra convenient, ultra palatable, or ultra accessible.

Becoming aware of how you spend your time, what short cuts you might be taking, and how you could get to a physically healthier place is the first step.

The next step is developing new patterns that your brain can adapt to that are beneficial for a healthier YOU. Practice getting dopamine from effort, as opposed to quick and convenient!

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Inside the Challenger’s Circle, we practice the radical power of pausing. It’s not about doing more. It’s about reclaiming your sovereignty, one intentional breath at a time.

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As always, thanks for reading 😊

Eric