Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

187 — The Ultimate Guide to Hacking Your Brain Chemicals with Neuroscientist TJ Power

Feb 17, 2025

TJ Power, a neuroscientist and author of The Dose Effect, dives into the fascinating world of brain chemistry. He explains how neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin influence motivation and mood. Avoiding your phone in the morning can notably balance dopamine levels. Fostering connections boosts oxytocin, enhancing love and confidence. Spending time outdoors uplifts serotonin, while high-intensity workouts release endorphins to alleviate stress. Practical strategies abound for optimizing mental well-being and growing mentally stronger.

52:05

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Episode guests

TJ Power

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the roles of key brain chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins is crucial for improving mental health.

Avoiding phone use in the morning can effectively balance dopamine levels, enhancing motivation and productivity throughout the day.

Building personal connections and engaging in outdoor activities significantly boost oxytocin and serotonin levels, promoting emotional well-being and stability.

Deep dives

Understanding Brain Chemicals

The podcast delves into the significance of understanding key brain chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—and their roles in our emotional and mental health. While many are familiar with the concept of happiness being linked to these chemicals, there is a deeper understanding that these neurotransmitters serve specific functions beyond mere feelings of joy. For instance, dopamine is crucial for motivation, while serotonin stabilizes mood and energy levels. Recognizing when these chemicals are low enables individuals to take actionable steps to improve their psychological well-being.

Intro

2min

Unraveling Brain Chemistry for Better Mental Health

14min

Promotional Offers and Business Solutions

3min

Enhancing Well-Being: The Power of Connection and Routine

14min

Navigating Antidepressants and Dopamine

5min

Boosting Brain Chemistry with Endorphins

8min

Optimizing Your Brain Chemicals: Practical Strategies for Enhanced Mental Health

4min

Neurochemicals not only contribute to the idea of "happy hormones" but also play specific roles related to motivation, connection, mood, and stress relief. Once you know how to regulate those hormones — and how to give yourself the right dose — you can grow mentally stronger.

My guest is TJ Power, a neuroscientist and the author of The Dose Effect. Some of the things we discuss are:

The four key brain chemicals and their effect on mental health and well-being
How avoiding your phone first thing in the morning can balance your dopamine levels and improve motivation throughout the day
How fostering personal connections increases oxytocin and enhances feelings of love and self-confidence
The importance of spending time outdoors to boost serotonin
How high-intensity physical activities release endorphins and alleviate stress

Links & Resources

Follow TJ on Instagram — @TJPower

The Dose Effect

Connect with the Show

Buy Amy's books on mental strength

Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor

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