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Controlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction

Huberman Lab

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Dopamine levels PEAK, and then DROP below baseline

The post-partum drop in mood and motivation, which occurs after significant milestones or celebrations, is caused by a drop in baseline dopamine levels. This drop happens rapidly and can last for a long time. Engaging repeatedly in activities that bring us pleasure eventually diminishes the excitement we feel. This phenomenon is rooted in evolutionarily conserved circuits. While some individuals may feel continuously high and opt for constant achievements, most of us experience a drop in baseline dopamine levels after peaks. This drop, known as addiction, affects everyone to different extents and takes some time to return to stable baseline levels. Indulging in behaviors that repeatedly increase dopamine peaks diminishes the joy derived from those behaviors. This drop in dopamine below baseline levels after peaks is significant and determines our motivation to pursue other things, regardless of addiction or attachment to specific substances or behaviors.

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