The Molecule of More delves into the role of dopamine in human behavior, revealing how this neurotransmitter drives our desires, fuels creativity, and influences various aspects of life including love, business, addiction, and politics. The authors argue that dopamine is not just a 'pleasure molecule' but a chemical of anticipation and possibility, which explains why we often crave what we don’t have and why we are driven to pursue new and unexpected things. The book uses insights from psychology, neuroscience, and social studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of dopamine’s impact on the human condition.
This book, first published in 1994, serves as a foundational guide to mindfulness and meditation. Jon Kabat-Zinn combines his research and medical background with his spiritual knowledge to help readers find peace and change their lives. The book emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment and making intentional, mindful choices. It includes a new introduction and afterword in the updated edition, along with factual updates to reflect changes in research and knowledge since its original publication.
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain the biological mechanism behind motivation and drive, as well as discuss practical tools for overcoming procrastination.
I discuss the key role dopamine plays in driving cravings and motivating action. I explain how dopamine regulates the balance between pleasure and pain, and what happens when this system becomes dysregulated, leading to addiction. I discuss the role of molecules like serotonin, which help enhance the enjoyment of the present, and explain how to balance the drive for more while staying focused in the present. I also discuss the causes of procrastination and describe strategies to boost dopamine levels through behavioral approaches or supplements.
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday.
Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Motivation
00:01:57 Dopamine & Brain
00:04:08 Anticipation, Craving & Dopamine
00:05:37 Sponsor: AG1
00:06:46 Food, Drugs & Dopamine Release
00:10:18 Addiction, Pleasure & Pain Balance
00:14:12 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Mateina
00:17:14 Dopamine, Pain, Yearning
00:19:08 “Here and Now” Molecules, Serotonin, Endocannabinoids, Tool: Mindfulness
00:22:42 Procrastination; Tool: Extend Dopamine, Offset Pain
00:26:15 Sponsor: LMNT
00:27:31 Dopamine & Motivation; Increasing Dopamine, Phenethylamine (PEA)
00:30:58 Dopamine Schedule, Subjectivity
00:33:59 Gambling, Intermittent Reinforcement, Tool: Blunting Rewards
00:38:51 Recap & Key Takeaway
Disclaimer & Disclosures
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