"Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the reward pathway in our brains. It is released not only in response to addictions but also to positive behaviors and experiences. We've also learned that dopamine is released in anticipation of a reward, not just in response to the reward itself. So the
whole dopamine system is involved in both the anticipation of and the learning from rewards." -- Andrew Huberman
As humans, we are wired to seek pleasure and reward. The neurochemical dopamine plays a critical role in
this process. It is responsible for our feelings of motivation, pleasure, and reward.
However, when we indulge in addictions -- such as pornography, overeating, overdrinking, or drug use -- it can lead to a depletion of dopamine in our brains. This, in turn,
can rob us of the energy and drive we need to pursue our dreams and accomplish great things.
But what if we learned to use our dopamine wisely? What if we focused on healthy and positive ways to stimulate our brains and create feelings of pleasure
and reward? As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the gifts that God has given us, including our bodies and our minds.
Stanford Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman explains that dopamine is released not only in response to addictions but
also to positive behaviors and experiences. In his podcast, Huberman Lab, he says,
"Dopamine is also released in response to positive experiences, such as accomplishing a goal or spending time with loved ones. We can use this knowledge to our advantage by focusing on healthy ways to stimulate our brains and create feelings of pleasure and reward."
How Can We Use Our Dopamine Wisely?
1. One way to use our dopamine wisely is to set goals and work towards them -- in some positive pursuit we care about. Whether it's big or small, whether it relates to our work or something in our personal life, when we accomplish something we set out to do, it releases dopamine in our brains, creating a sense of pleasure and reward. In fact, as Huberman points out, even in the process of doing
this work, and anticipating its success, we release dopamine. This can motivate us to continue pursuing our dreams and working towards our goals.
2. Another way to use our dopamine wisely is to engage in activities that bring us joy and
fulfillment. In other words, it's not just about "grinding it out" with hard work. The release of dopamine can also come from spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies or creative pursuits, or volunteering in our communities. By focusing on activities that create positive feelings and experiences, we boost our dopamine levels in a healthy and sustainable way.
3. The third way we use our dopamine wisely is to keep clear in our minds that NOT all pleasure is created equal. While compulsive habits and substances may provide quick and intense bursts of dopamine, they can also lead to negative consequences, such as addiction, physical and relational problems, and subsequent depression (or at least significantly
lower energy and motivation) due to depleted dopamine levels.
Dopamine depletion from addiction can rob us of the energy and drive we need to pursue our dreams and accomplish great things. But by using our dopamine
wisely, we can cultivate a healthy mindset and deeper reserves of positive energy that allows us to better serve others and fulfill our God-given purpose. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
NEXT ACTION
Today's action step is to reflect on what positive and energizing thing you can do to put your dopamine to work for you. Today is Friday, and you might have some discretionary time over the weekend. How can you engage in active, positive
things that will build your dopamine level, rather than succumb to passive, and possibly addictive things that will deplete it?
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Would you like to go "all in" and join the Renewed Man Boot Camp? It's a 12 Week Immersion in these principles. You'll get these daily teachings, a weekly video on one of the 12 Keys of Being a Renewed Man, and access to a support group and/or a coaching group that I lead.
Find out more about
the Renewed Man Program here.
