We all seek happiness, right?
Dopamine, that neurotransmitter famous for giving us instant pleasure, is really more than that. It is key to our mental health and well-being. But be careful, if we don't manage it well, it can also play tricks on us.
Dopamine is not only responsible for making us feel good after something rewarding, but it is also involved in how we learn and remember things. It's fascinating how it works: For example, people who love strong emotions, such as being the first to try a roller coaster, making quick decisions, or launching into a new business, tend to have more dopamine in certain areas of the brain, which makes them more likely to act without thinking about the consequences. On the other hand, more vulnerable, shy or insecure people may suffer anxiety if they have to give -FOR EXAMPLE- a work presentation or speak in public, situations that possibly reflect low levels of dopamine.
Dopamine also motivates us before starting an activity, pushing us towards what we find pleasant and away from what is negative.
But be careful: too little dopamine can lead us to depression, while too much can make us obsessed with very demanding goals. What then is the ideal level of dopamine or how can we balance it?
I always emphasize in my consultations and training that, although dopamine can give us a lot of happiness, it can also take it away from us if we do not learn to recognize and manage it consciously. We are human and we seek pleasure, recognition and rewards. Here comes the importance of knowing how to manage our emotions, giving us the validation and satisfaction we need without depending on others.
Dopamine management can become an essential tool for our mental health and general well-being .
Below, I share 5 strategies that will help you recognize and act positively on your well-being, focused both on a personal level and in the work environment:
1. Set Small and Achievable Goals:
2. Vary the Activities:
3. Time for Rest and Reflection:
4. Recognition and Positive Feedback:
5. Connect with Others:
In essence, the goal of our lives, both personally and professionally, is to learn to enjoy every moment, whether small or big. However, to truly appreciate these moments and live fully, we need to learn to regulate and self-regulate both our emotions and our actions.
Without dopamine, we could find ourselves mired in sadness and lack of energy, but the desire to live intensely without pause can also lead us to premature exhaustion.
Balancing our dopamine is an act of mental health, self-love and professional efficiency. Implement these strategies in your life and work to improve your overall well-being. You will not only survive; you will prosper.
Ready for sustainable well-being? Join this journey of conscious dopamine self-management.
Your best version awaits you!
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Free Resources and Courses in my Online Academy
- Find free guided meditations on our website, an ideal first step in your meditation practice: Guided Meditations .
- For those who want to go deeper, our courses await you: Ana Lombard Academy Courses .
- And don't miss my book on how to transform stress into a positive force: #POSITIVEstress .