Alcove Psychology

We're finding ourselves in a world of available stimulation 24/7, which affects our dopamine systems. Dr. Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine Dopamine, calls us "cacti in the rainforest" because we are flooded with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter with many functions and is best known for its association with pleasure, reward, and motivation. Dopamine gets us moving and feels good but works best with balance. Too much dopamine (which might feel good in the moment) causes a big drop later on, leaving us feeling down and demotivated.
To keep a stable balance, think of activities as dopamine "drips" or "dumps." Dumps are highly stimulating, but they generally don't require any effort. This can lead to a prolonged drop in dopamine, as mentioned. In contrast, drips are activities that release steady amounts of dopamine. A major difference is that drips require varying amounts of effort, which is key in sustaining healthy dopamine levels. Here are some examples of drips and dumps:
Drips:
Physical activity
Catch up with a friend
Reading
Sleep hygiene
Hobbies Nature
Break from screens
Drops:
Alcohol/Drugs
Video games
Social media
Ni****ne
Movies/Tv shows

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