If you only do one thing…

Try dopamine fasting

We’ve all heard of the saying ‘everything in moderation’ when it comes to weighing up how many glasses of wine we have in the evening, or whether to eat that second slice of cheesecake.

But did you know that the same concept can apply to our ‘feel-good’ hormones? Cutting out those everyday things that bring us a flood of short-term joy – such as scrolling through Facebook or watching Netflix – can mean ramping up that pleasure response in the brain when you get them back. So, are you ready to try dopamine fasting?

THE PLEASURE HORMONE

Dopamine is the mighty chemical messenger involved in motivation. It rises in response to rewards and encourages us to seek gratification. Because of this, dopamine is blamed for addictive behaviours, such as compulsive online shopping and emotional eating.

IT’S BACKED BY SCIENCE!

The wellness trend, popularised by Californian psychiatrist Dr Cameron Sepah, may balance negative behaviours linked to dopamine surges. The thinking is this: by abstaining from sins, stimulants and small pleasures in the short-term, you’ll reboot the brain’s reward system to value them more when you indulge. It also means trying to find pleasure in more natural activities, such as going for a walk or meditating. And, perhaps being able to address, and take control of, compulsive behaviours that are having a negative impact on our happiness.

THERE CAN BE TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING