In a world full of instant gratification and easy pleasure, you may notice yourself lacking discipline or motivation. That business you were going to start or nights you were going to be sober keeps getting put on the back burner.
You’d much rather “enjoy the moment” and worry about all of the “difficult” tasks later.
If any of this resonates with you, you need a dopamine detox.
Not only will a dopamine detox help balance out your dopamine, but it will help balance out your life and propel it forward.
What is Dopamine?
To understand what a dopamine detox is, we must first understand what dopamine is.
Dopamine, in simple terms, is a chemical in our brain that is necessary for us to experience pleasure, reward, and motivation. The more dopamine an activity releases, the more pleasurable that activity is.
This is why you will find people addicted to alcohol, drugs, junk food, and other vices. Dopamine doesn’t know what’s good for us and what isn’t. All it knows is to go for the activities we feel the most gratification.
As soon as you get that dopamine hit is as soon as the brain works to regulate your dopamine levels back to normal, but it doesn’t just stop at “normal.”
When experiencing high amounts of dopamine, typically through instant gratification, you will have a comedown. We see this time again with people who drink alcohol and get a hangover.
Companies know dopamine and how it works. So, they exploit it to keep you returning for more.
Think of video games and the levels you achieve or Instagram and their suggested feed that is constantly studying you. With each level or each post that resonates with you, you are experiencing hits of dopamine which will make you come back for more.
Since companies constantly exploit this chemical, many people unconsciously live through instant gratification rather than delaying gratification and building the life they deserve.
Key Takeaways
Dopamine, in simple terms, is a chemical in our brain that is necessary for us to experience pleasure, reward, and motivation.
As soon as you get that dopamine hit is as soon as the brain works to regulate your dopamine levels back to normal, but it doesn’t just stop at “normal.”
Companies know dopamine and how it works. So, they exploit it to keep you returning for more.
What is a Dopamine Detox, and Why is it Good?
A dopamine detox is abstaining from certain activities that produce high, artificial dopamine levels.
Some examples of these activities are drinking every weekend, binge-eating junk food, or playing video games.
When you cut out one source that produces high dopamine, your body will need to get those dopamine “hits” elsewhere.
Instead of artificial, instantly gratifying sources, you will find more natural, productive sources that help to further your life.
Think of working out, starting a business, or eating healthy food. It may not be enjoyable when you first start, but you know that it’s what is right and will give you more fulfillment.
The best way to obtain dopamine is by paying for it upfront and then experiencing it later.
You may not experience the instant high levels of dopamine, such as when you are drinking, but over time you will be more content with how you feel about your life and achievements.
Key Takeaways
A dopamine detox is abstaining from certain activities that produce high, artificial dopamine levels.
When you cut out one source that produces high dopamine, your body will need to get those dopamine “hits” elsewhere.
The best way to obtain dopamine is by paying for it upfront and then experiencing it later.
How to Do a Dopamine Detox
So how do you go about starting a dopamine detox? The answer depends on the person.
A dopamine detox is different for each person as everybody has their vices. Since brain wiring isn’t changing, we must change our environment to influence positive change.
Changing our environment, such as purchasing healthier foods or selling the gaming system, will force our brains to obtain dopamine from natural dopamine sources.
Here is How to Get Started.
Find your habit of choice that is currently draining you of dopamine. You need to dig deep and think of what you are doing that isn’t moving you forward but still gives pleasure.
As referenced above, this can be drinking on the weekends, playing video games, doing drugs, eating junk food, or many other vices.
Once you find your vice of choice, abstain and starve that vice for one month.
Why One Month?
One month is the time needed for your receptors to balance back out. While you can go much longer than one month, this is the minimum time frame necessary to feel the effects.
Throughout this month, write down your thoughts/realizations. Whether through journaling, vlogging, or any other way of getting your thoughts into tangible form.
You will need to find other productive means to fill the gaps that result from you cutting out your vice of choice.
If you drink on the weekends, develop a hobby or side hustle that fills the time you would be drinking. If you are eating junk food, only purchase healthy food so you don’t have the option to eat junk food. You see where this is going.
During this time, things will change. You may lose some “friends” or lose weight and be healthier. This is all for your benefit and what is truly meant to be.
Key Takeaways
Once you find your vice of choice, abstain and starve that vice for one month.
One month is the time needed for your receptors to balance back out.
You will need to find other productive means to fill the gaps that result from you cutting out your vice of choice.
Conclusion
So there you have it. You know what a dopamine detox is and exactly why it matters. Want to move your life forward and be more fulfilled? A dopamine detox is the first step.
You will realize that how you view the vices you had abstained from is best used in moderation. Or not at all.
If you ever want to return to your old vices and use them without moderation, just ask yourself, why?
–Your future self will thank you.
