Relax: It is just information overload

byLisaBusche

233 followers

5 years ago

Do you ever feel like you can't live without technology?

After my daughter finished using the computer, I at least wanted to blog- if nothing else. I worked on training before getting garbage out (dad takes garbage cans to the dump) it is cheaper than having dump truck come. Daughter uses the computer for her classes and I cleaned house while she was on. By the time she was finished, I had one word on my blog.

Relax-

Then it was time to make dinner. After cleaning up for the night, I had another episode where I did not want to do anything. Nothing interested me. Mindlessly scrolling on phone, I saw this one video.

Dopamine Detox

We constantly flood our senses (see, hear, taste, smell, touch) technology/electronics and the chemical in our bodies that is the "reward" chemical, dopamine, is constantly on.

High level dopamine activities: binge watching television or movies, junk/comfort food, playing video/computer games.

Low level dopamine activities: doing thing we know we should do, but don't because we crave the high level dopamine activities.

Dopamine detox was explained in this way:

You constantly eat at high quality restaurant (becomes "norm"), but one day someone offers you a bowl of rice instead. You are more likely to turn down the rice and stick with the food at the restaurant.

Your situation changes (environment) and you are on a deserted island and the only thing there is to eat is the bowl of rice.

Dopamine Detox: pick one day and do not do the following:

• No phone
• No computer
• No internet
• No music
• No junk food
• No television

Now you are bored and your dopamine levels are low because you aren't doing anything. Because the above things are "off" limits, what is there to do?

• yes to taking a walk or exercising
• yes to meditation or "quiet-time"
• yes to reflecting on goals
• yes to journaling with good ol' paper and pencil/pen

Increasing the "no's" and only using them for "business" purposes will help in controlling dopamine levels.