Ep. 126 - Breaking Bad Habits + The Science of Being Happy with Loretta Breuning
Jun 28, 2018
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Loretta Breuning, a professor and founder of The Inner Mammal Institute, dives into the science of happiness and brain chemistry. She explains how our early experiences shape our neural pathways and the challenges of habit formation after puberty. Loretta discusses the roles of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in shaping our emotions. The conversation also tackles breaking addictive habits and the importance of rewiring our brains for resilience. Get ready to understand your inner mammal and reclaim your happiness!
The formation of neural connections in our brains during early life experiences is crucial for shaping cognitive and emotional behaviors into adulthood.
Understanding brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin is essential for recognizing the influences on our happiness and social connections.
Creating new neural pathways through consistent, enjoyable activities is more effective for personal growth than simply trying to eliminate old habits.
Deep dives
The Formation of Neural Circuits
At birth, humans have billions of neurons but no established connections between them. These neural circuits are formed through early life experiences, emphasizing the principle that our brain's wiring relies heavily on what we learn and interact with during formative years. By the end of puberty, the potential for neuroplasticity declines significantly, making it harder for adults to create new pathways in their brains. This insight suggests that early education and social interactions play critical roles in shaping our cognitive and emotional frameworks that last into adulthood.
The Role of Neurochemicals in Happiness
Understanding the chemicals in our brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, helps explain our behaviors and emotions. Dopamine serves as a reward system, giving individuals a sense of pleasure when they take steps toward achieving a goal. Serotonin contributes to feelings of social importance, while oxytocin is linked to trust and bonding. These chemicals interact and fluctuate based on life experiences, reinforcing the idea that our happiness is deeply tied to both personal satisfaction and social connections.
The Impact of Early Experiences on Adult Behavior
The podcast highlights how early experiences significantly influence adult behaviors, potentially leading to patterns such as addiction or seeking validation. Emotional responses formed during childhood can create deep-seated beliefs that affect a person's actions well into adulthood. For instance, if a child learns to cope with pain through food or comfort items, they may carry those coping mechanisms into adulthood, leading to unhealthy attachments or dependencies. Thus, recognizing these patterns is crucial for effective personal growth and mental health.
Creating New Habits and Breaking Old Ones
To foster personal development, individuals should focus on building new neural pathways rather than trying to eliminate old ones completely. Implementing small, actionable steps can help create lasting change; for instance, engaging in enjoyable activities that lead to dopamine release can reinforce positive behaviors. Unlike quick-fix solutions, this approach emphasizes the consistency required to establish new routines and habits over time. This strategy frames personal growth as a continuous process centered around shaping one's desires rather than simply adhering to shoulds.
Adapting to Modern Stressors
The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by contemporary societal pressures, such as the constant influx of negative news and the resulting emotional responses. It suggests that focusing on manageable actions and controlling one's narrative can help mitigate stress levels. By avoiding sensationalized media and fostering positive interactions, individuals can create a supportive environment that nurtures their mental well-being. This perspective encourages people to seek personal connections and meaningful activities as essential strategies to navigate the complexities of modern life.
Almost 30 is all about tools, tricks, and insights that anyone can use to feel happier and more aligned as they navigate the big transitions in their life… but we’ve never really talked about WHY people feel happy. Like what’s going in these mammal brains of ours? So Lindsey + Krista sat down with Loretta Breuning, PhD, a professor, an author, and the Founder of The Inner Mammal Institute. Loretta teaches people how to build power over their mammalian brain chemistry and understand nature’s operating system.
Because if we understand the science of what’s happening when we form habits or feel a certain way, we have the power to manipulate those chemicals, rewire our brains, and ultimately, live a better life. Are you ready to make peace with your inner mammal?
We discuss…
Early brain development
Why it’s so difficult to create new neural pathways in our brains after puberty
Our impulse to want more
Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, & endorphin
The medical model VS the animal world
Ups + downs being NORMAL
Do animals have memories like we do?
Why the size of your brain directly correlates to the length of childhood (and the animal with the biggest brain)
The amazing miracle of reproduction
Breaking an addictive habit
Getting back to neutral after experiencing trauma
Endorphins + GABA
Every single person being wired for an individual experience (and feeling a little different from the herd)
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