Dopamine is a hormone released in response to activities that stimulates pleasure and rewards the behaviours or activities that lead to that feeling. It is also know as the "feel-good" hormone. It has a role to play in our mood and motivation.
Dopamine is good but the issue is that we often go for fast dopamine hits which are gotten from activities like doom scrolling on social media, drugs, eating junks. And the feelings we get from these things are mostly ephemeral.
Personally, I try to remember that happiness leaves inside and not outside.
When I am moved to buy new clothes, new hair or new gadgets just to feel good, I try to remind myself that the happiness that comes with owning all these artificial things doesn't last long.
And one of the reasons for this is that, instead of facing what is wrong from deep within, we try to cover it all up with that which is outwardly.
To worsen matters, we don't allow ourselves to enjoy the things that we get or achieve. When we get a new gadget or something that we really wanted, we're so quick to move on from it. We're always rushing unto the next thing, looking for fast dopamine hits that don't even last.
Currently, without even knowing it, I have started engaging in certain activities that are generally (physically, mentally, intellectually, and medically) good for me. These activities are very good sources of slow dopamine.
Slow dopamine meaning that they require a good amount of time and effort and the dopamine doesn't come in an instant rush like fast dopamine.
They are:
- lifting weights
- writing
- reading short essays
- reading books
- working on a project
Doing all these require you to put in work, time and effort and it also requires you to stay consistent to get better. The gratification might not be instant but it is sustainable and has way more benefits.
Identifying what gives you both will help you to know which one you should engage in less and which you should give more time and efforts to.
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