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Dopamine Fasting

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  • cherys
    cherys Posts: 387 Member
    GummiMundi wrote: »
    Here's what I don't understand: the article starts by saying that dopamine is released when we do something that brings us pleasure. And then it lists a number of activities that allegedly gives us that dopamine release, and that we ought to stop doing. Those activities are to be replaced by new ones (meditation instead of TV, broccoli instead of sweets, etc.), which we're supposed to feel pleasure from. But won't that "new" pleasure bring a dopamine release as well? So what's the difference?

    I get the idea of switching "harmful" habits for "healthy" ones - even though that's highly personal - but I don't understand this approach, especially if you're going to get a dopamine release either way.

    I guess that's the point. You fast from the unhelpful, unhealthy dopamine hits until you get the same hit form something beneficial to you. Its like swapping emotional eating for emotional exercising. When you feel down or bored or annoyed you can reach for a slice of cake or do a 5 minute HIIT workout. Both make you feel good and offer some comfort from the bad mood, but one keeps you feeling good because it's a virtuous cycle and the other triggers a new down mood because you broke your diet/put on weight.
  • jmf552
    jmf552 Posts: 47 Member
    I guess I look at it simplistically. Any lifestyle change that involves having less fun is a no go for me. One thing I have learned getting older is that fun gets more scarce as the years go by. Grab all the fun you can that doesn't hurt you.

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