Building a Dopamine Menu: Things to Do *Instead* of Doom-Scrolling
Jul 25, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, Payton Sartain, a self-diagnosed doom-scroller, shares her journey to overcoming unhealthy habits. She introduces the innovative concept of a dopamine menu, designed to replace mindless scrolling with more fulfilling activities. Payton discusses how dopamine influences happiness and motivation, and offers tips on curating a personalized menu of energizing pursuits. From vintage finds to self-care rituals, she emphasizes the importance of balancing indulgence with productivity for a healthier lifestyle.
The dopamine menu is a personalized list of activities that replace doom-scrolling with more fulfilling, dopamine-boosting experiences.
Engaging in quick dopamine boosters, like listening to music or taking a walk, promotes immediate joy and motivation away from screens.
Longer-term activities, such as swimming or cooking, provide deeper satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, enriching daily life.
Deep dives
Embracing the Power of Imagination
Listening to stories across various genres can significantly enhance your mood and inspire new ways of thinking. Engaging with dramatic tales, expert advice, or fantastical worlds allows listeners to explore new possibilities and improve overall well-being. For example, classics like Stephen King's 'The Shining' and 'Pet Sematary' can evoke a thrilling yet cozy sense of nostalgia, particularly around Halloween. Such experiences illustrate how audio storytelling can serve as an enriching escape and a positive mental health tool.
Introducing the Dopamine Menu
A dopamine menu is a personalized list of activities designed to provide a sense of pleasure and accomplishment, steering users away from unproductive habits like doom scrolling. The concept stems from the understanding that dopamine triggers feelings of happiness and motivation, helping to balance emotional well-being. This menu includes categories such as appetizers for quick hits of joy and entrees for more significant, longer-term activities, allowing individuals to choose from various options based on their time availability. Creating a tailored dopamine menu can encourage mindfulness and positive engagement with everyday tasks.
Effective Activities for Dopamine Hits
Engaging in activities like listening to music, planning events, or going for a walk can serve as quick dopamine boosters. For instance, driving with loud music can elevate mood and energy levels in just a few minutes. Other activities include meal planning or taking a quick stretch, both of which can prompt feelings of accomplishment and boost motivation. This approach emphasizes actionable choices that divert attention from passive screen time without compromising on joy and gratification.
Longer Engagement for Sustained Happiness
Activities classified as entrees can provide prolonged engagement and satisfaction, taking 45 minutes or more. For instance, spending time in water, such as swimming or lounging by a pool, has been shown to boost mood and overall well-being. Similarly, taking the time to prepare and cook a meal fulfills both a productive and pleasurable role in daily life, fostering a sense of accomplishment. These activities highlight the importance of dedicating time to experiences that nourish joy and fulfillment.
Balancing Indulgence and Mindfulness
A dopamine menu also includes 'desserts,' which are moderate indulgences like scrolling through social media or online shopping, intended to be enjoyed without guilt. These activities are recognized as essential for maintaining a healthy balance in life, provided they are engaged with mindfully and not excessively. For example, scheduling a planned 'TikTok time' or treating oneself to a meal delivery can enhance a sense of enjoyment without leading to excessive distraction. This balance encourages users to savor life's pleasures while staying grounded and productive.
#157. I’m a self-diagnosed doom-scroller, just like anyone else, and I’ve been looking for a cure to this illness. Really, it’s an imbalance in dopamine that’s ruining my life, so in today’s episode, we’re talking about little ways to replace your doom-scrolling with something more dopamine-efficient. Enter: DOPAMINE MENU. We’re discussing my own dopamine menu and how to create your own.