How To Dopamine Detox - 04

Make space for meaningful things

Humans have evolved for millions of years; many of your present behaviors exist because your ancestors believed they were crucial for survival. For example, consuming sugar and fat produces dopamine. In the past, sweet and fatty food helped people survive; it contained energy and provided more calories. So, you must thank evolution for your taste preferences, as those who liked sweet and fatty food had more chances to survive and reproduce. Overstimulation and craving more comes from sugar and fat, as well. So, reflecting on your daily dose is a good idea.

Similarly, social media makes you expect fast feedback through a like, comment, or message. It programs people to desire quick results, which differs from how you reach your long-term goals.

It’s easy to fall for short-term gratification and feel good immediately. But this keeps you from pursuing long-term happiness as you jump from one fleeting pleasure to another, aiming to fill the void of emptiness and unfulfillment as quickly as possible. But the funny thing is sometimes you need that void; you need it to fill up with things that make you truly happy. And when you overload it with junk food or excessive use of social media, you have no desire to pursue your deeper values.

Action: Resist the urge to check for updates and messages constantly. 

You dive into this world filled with success stories and feel insufficient. And when you feel jealous or not enough, the hustle to suppress it with quick dopamine and overstimulation is even greater. Here are the main things you can do in this case:

• Ask yourself, “What feelings do I invite with the activity I am doing now? Do I want it to be this way?”

• Then, ask, “Where is my focus right now? Where do I want to be?”

• Practice patience to help you pursue more meaningful things.

• Get rid of the distractions that leave you feeling restless.

• Develop long-term thinking about your goals. Remove or reduce whatever stands in your way.

"Dopamine and constant stimulation can impair your ability to think long term." ~ Thibaut Meurisse

Did you know? Steve Jobs didn’t allow his kids to use iPhones or iPads because of the underlying dangers and risks of addiction these devices can pose. Bill Gates didn’t give his kids phones until they were 14.