I was watching this interview by Dr K – Dr Alok Kanojia.
Dr. K:
Exposing the Dopamine Crisis—“We’re Being Programmed” - YouTube
I also realise my so called personal life I am very content with. I have published a book – yes, available at the library at CSU and also Wagga Library, Wagga Wagga City Library. I meditate for 25 minutes a day, and when I have too many thoughts, I increase the meditation to 1 hour. This not only calms my mind but it also helps me focus and be aware of my thoughts. Through practice, I have been able to observe my thoughts without judgment and still get on with tasks that require discipline and motivation.
I am a big junkie on self and personal development, and I
loved the interview with Dr K and how he beautifully crafted the serotonin and
dopamine story. It finally makes sense to me!
Often I have reverted to community work or doing
volunteering and did not realise it was serotonin until today! Serotonin is
linked with peace, contentment and a sense of meaning and purpose. I
finally get it. Serotonin was giving me content while I was volunteering,
running workshops, and my protein and food intake were good too! I also realise
that when there isn't enough protein (low serotonin), it leads to snacking for
a dopamine kick. I am not eating enough protein when I cook for myself or with
the PhD journey. Guess what I munch on: salt-and-vinegar chips. Eat lots of
masala Maggi noodles, to the point I wonder if I can control it or if this is
just a phase? I find myself doom scrolling too for the dopamine
hit! It all makes sense.
After listening to Dopamine Nation by Dr Anna Lembke, I can avoid snacks to an extent through self-binding or abstinence, but this understanding of the see-saw of serotonin and dopamine takes it to the next level. Though I want to eat chips, I now ask, " Did I get enough protein? Am I content? I get such a splurge of happiness when helping someone on the computer or Excel spreadsheet - there goes the dopamine - only short-lived!
So the key lesson from this for me is taking responsibility for eating well, enough protein to feel content, doing activities that give a sense of satisfaction and purpose, meaning, and contributing to science as a big picture through my PhD. Thus, creating tolerance for life without the dependence on dopamine.
Have you ever had such deep insights that you would like to share? When was the last time you read a book that moved you and started taking action? Personally, transformation without action keeps me stuck in the loop of wanting those salt-and-vinegar chips.
