Dopamine Detox

Hello! I am unofficialofficialdeb, Dopamine Detox you may or may not have heard about it on the internet, for the people who do not know what Dopamine Detox is here is a quick rundown.

DISCLAIMER:- Please note that a dopamine detox is not scientifically or medically proven; it’s more of a concept that some find helpful for their well-being. While it may not have established health benefits, it’s designed to be a practice that generally doesn’t harm your overall health. As with any lifestyle changes, individual experiences may vary, and it’s recommended to consult with healthcare professionals if you have concerns about its impact on your health.

To get straight to the heart of the matter, simply scroll down to the section that reads ‘So what is this all about?‘

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is like the brain’s high-five. Imagine you’re playing your favorite video game, and you score a big win or accomplish a tough mission. Boom! Your brain sends out dopamine, giving you that awesome feeling of satisfaction and happiness. It’s like your brain’s way of saying, “You did it! That was cool!”

Now, here’s the thing: dopamine isn’t just about video games. It’s also there when you hang out with friends, or achieve something you’ve been working on. It’s the brain’s reward system, encouraging you to do more of the things that make you feel good.

It’s not that our brain wants dopamine its more like dopamine makes our brain want stuff.

Why is Dopamine good while being bad.

Imagine your mood represented on a graph over time. Under normal circumstances, your mood stays relatively constant—let’s call this the baseline. Now, when you experience something that gives you instant pleasure or gratification (like watching Instagram reels), there’s a sudden spike in your mood, thanks to a surge of dopamine.

However, the catch is that this spike is temporary. It’s a high, but it doesn’t last. Once the enjoyable activity is over, your mood drops below the baseline, even lower than where you started. This sudden dip can leave you feeling a bit down, unmotivated, or even a bit depressed.

Now, here’s the tricky part. Your brain, in its quest for happiness, remembers that initial spike and wants to experience it again. So, you’re tempted to go back to the activity that caused the spike, even if it’s not necessarily good for you in the long run. You become sort of addicted to chasing that temporary high.

Each time you indulge in the quick pleasure, the cycle repeats. The high is followed by an even lower low, and over time, your baseline mood can shift to a lower level than where you started. This lowered baseline makes you feel more consistently unmotivated or even depressed when you’re not engaging in those instant-gratification activities.

Dopamine isn’t inherently negative; in fact, it plays a crucial role in fueling our passion, drive, and goal-setting abilities. It’s not a matter of dopamine being categorically good or bad; rather, its impact depends on how and where we source it in our lives.

What is Dopamine Detox?

A dopamine detox is like taking a break from engaging in activities that typically trigger high levels of dopamine release in the brain. This involves consciously avoiding sources of instant gratification, such as social media and video games, and replacing them with you spend time doing more calming activities, such as meditation or being outdoors or hugging a friend if you want to, talking with them physically, playing out door, focusing on your goals. The primary goal is to break free from patterns that contribute to a constant need for high stimulation and to reset the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine. Some versions of the detox also advocate for incorporating focused, deep work sessions and regular physical exercise as healthier alternatives. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of a dopamine detox is subjective, and individual experiences may vary.

So what is this all about?

So, I’m contemplating a Dopamine detox, and I’ve worked around this idea a few times before. Honestly, it’s been a struggle, and in the past, I’ve thrown in the towel after just a few days. But this time, I’m doing something different – I’m putting it out here, in the open. Why? Well, if I fail, you guys will know, and that indirect accountability is a powerful motivator. The thought of you all thinking, “Yep, they didn’t make it,” is something I don’t want to face.

Now, you might be wondering, what’s changed this time? Why this out of no where? Well, today I accidentally dropped my tablet computer. It’s still functioning, but seeing it broken and not in its prime state hit me hard. I love that tablet more than I do myself, considering it’s just a piece of tech. So, in a fit of frustration and sadness, I packed it up in its original box and am trying my best to forget about it.

Why the sudden decision for a Dopamine detox? Well, part of it is to detach myself from the tablet. If I don’t see it, maybe it won’t hurt as much, and I won’t be constantly reminded of my clumsy moment. There’s this hope that, by the time I see it again, the detox would have made me more accepting of the fact that I broke it.

I know this might sound impulsive, and I’ll probably regret putting it out here. It might be a surge of momentary craziness, but once it’s out there, it’s out there. Maybe future me will hate past me a bit more for saying these things, but hey, that’s part of the process, right? Here’s to hoping I can stick to it this time.

How will this work? and what all will I be giving up?

Social Media: While I am confident to say I am not addicted to social media as they don’t interest me much but why not I this includes platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and other apps that provide quick and constant stimuli.

Video Games: While I have came to play less of them to none now it’s still a factor not the major one

Online Browsing: I love the internet really, this will be the most hard thing to give up but I will try my best.

Television and Streaming Services: This is going to be the most painful watching shows or movies for extended periods, especially YouTube, my record +12 hours on YouTube in a single day not something to be proud of but here it is, This also include for me not to listen to music or any podcast.

Junk Food and Sugary Snacks: I mean who hates them but got to leave them now.

Substance Use: Nope never done it never will not even alcohol ever!

Constant Texting/Notifications: Guilty of texting my friends rather than just talking to them not a social kid you know.

I’ve decided to begin this dopamine detox starting from December 1, 2023, at midnight (UTC +5:30) until December 30, 2023, at midnight (UTC +5:30).

I plan to document my journey on paper and aim to share it here by January 5, 2023.

Things which I can’t avoid.

While I’m committed to doing my best in this challenge, it’s important to acknowledge that I may encounter external stimuli, such as listening or watching things, that are beyond my control. Despite this, I’ll make a concerted effort to minimize exposure and stay as far away from these influences as possible.

Dumb enough to join me?

Feel free to join me in this endeavor at your own discretion, as there’s no harm involved. Your participation is entirely based on your personal choice and perspective.