It’s December already. 2021 passed in a blink of an eye, but numerous suffered from stress, inferior mental health, and other physical health issues to a great extent and it indeed has been tough to cope with. Not just this, but the Covid-19 Pandemic remained a disaster for many this year too. Talking about mental health, it had always been the most neglected topic globally, but this year came to focus and people started investing more and more time in healthcare both physically and mentally. Fitness also remained an aspect that was given utmost priority for content and thriving life.
Every month with ‘Fit Future’ we bring to you beneficial health and fitness trends and similarly this time around to the end of 2021 on a good note we have brought to you a fresh detox that doesn’t necessarily involve dieting but focuses on resting your brain and refocusing on other activities that need your attention. We are talking about Dopamine Detox. Looks like a new term right? Well, you can know all about it here from what it is to the plenty of benefits it provides. Read on!
About Dopamine
You might have heard about feel-good hormones. Dopamine is one such hormone that our body produces. It is a chemical that is naturally formed in our bodies. This neurotransmitter basically acts as a chemical messenger of neurons. This hormone controls certain movements and even a person’s emotional responses. It is often released when you a particular desirable activity takes place or if there are any rewards involved.
Think of it as using social media for an hour, watching television or your favorite series is something you are keener towards than studying for an hour. The possibility of releasing dopamine is higher when the anticipation around the subject is more. Too much or too little dopamine can cause the way we think, behave, react and move.
Our brain is so dependent on dopamine that it now has developed a tolerance of requiring more and more every day which is causing hassle in completing simple everyday tasks. Hence, to reset dopamine levels has become the need of the hour and for that Dopamine Detox is quintessential concept.
Dopamine is one such hormone that our body produces. It is a chemical that is naturally formed in our bodies. This neurotransmitter basically acts as a chemical messenger of neurons.
Dopamine Detox
This idea has been trending for quite some time now and people are following it devotedly. Dopamine detox is nothing but constraining yourself from doing any activity that is of your desire at the particular moment. Any activity that stimulates the brain that you might want to do at that very moment, for example, browsing through social media, eating any particular dish, talking on the phone, or anything else is what you’ve to avoid. Once you master this power the brain will automatically start considering a boring one to be joyful. Mind you, it’s not something you have to do every day but desisting from any pleasurable activity once a week will help your brain regain control and focus on other necessary things.
Dopamine detox is nothing but constraining yourself from doing any activity that is of your desire at the particular moment.
Benefits of Dopamine Detox
Now to bust one myth, many believe that following the dopamine detox is impossible, but we are of the opinion that nothing is impossible. The notion doesn’t tell you to control every urge and avoid desirable or pleasurable things every day but starting with at least refraining from certain activities once a week is sufficient.
The vital benefit you can achieve through dopamine fast is being focused. Your thoughts will be clear without any external stimuli that keep coming back throughout the day which will help you stay attentive all day long.
Another benefit that will impress many mothers out there is you’ll eventually realize how much time you waste either by scrolling social media or playing games all day. While these essential hours can be spent doing something productive you’ll be able to set and achieve certain life goals.
Food craving especially sugar and fat is something which are just 30 seconds of triggers and you really are not hungry for all those things is also something you’ll notice while Dopamine Detox. Thus, it will change your eating habits leading you to eat healthy and advantageous food items.
The vital benefit you can achieve through dopamine fast is being focused. Your thoughts will be clear without any external stimuli that keep coming back throughout the day which will help you stay attentive all day long.
Ways to Balance Dopamine Naturally
Focusing on healthy habits and of course self-control is the ultimate way to manage your dopamine levels. Basic lifestyle changes can help you with the same. We’ve listed below certain ways you can try to manage this chemical messenger.
- Consuming Nutritional Foods
Eating habits definitely affect our mood and thus our dopamine level also fluctuates. Eating fruits and vegetables, or protein-rich foods are also beneficial to maintain the level. Some items like salmon, mackerel, oysters, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts can also be consumed while on Dopamine Detox.
- Exercising Regularly/Improving Sleeping Habits
Some kind of physical activity is highly recommended while you are on your dopamine fast. Even if the body denies due to laziness or other such factors you have to force yourself to get up every day for either a short run or some at-home workout, light exercises. This also help main the mental health associated with dopamine.
