When you think detox you think what? Cleansing ya mind, body and spirit? Many of us in this day and age struggle to disconnect from the world and reconnect with ourselves. With all the desirable distractions this world has to offer, many find themselves more interested in the lives of other people, fictional characters, or romanticising about the perfect love story while jammin’ to some RnB.
What if I told you if you cut all this out for one week the difference you would see in yourself would be surprising. Giving up temptations can seem difficult, but it also can be an achievement, it could be the beginning of something great – maybe even unlock a part of you never knew you had… intrigued? Then keep reading!
What is it and how does it work?
It’s the Dopamine detox. Firstly, let me explain what dopamine is. Dopamine is the reward hormone in the brain. Every rush we get from a cliffhanger series, Dopamine. Every “like”/ “comment” or funny video we see on our social media, Dopamine. Every rush or tingle felt by the music you listen to, Dopamine. Every time you eat or drink something that you enjoy, Dopamine. Every time you reach orgasm, Dopamine. Every time you achieve or do something you enjoy no matter how small the action, this hormone gets released to encourage you to repeat the action. In fact, this is how addictions are formed because a lot of what gets put out there these days is designed to keep you hooked. Television and music leave their audiences wanting more. Social media has algorithms that push content that they think interests you to keep you using their apps for longer. Junk food and alcohol are full of sugar that we become addicted to and finally porn. Porn because orgasms release huge amounts of, if not the most amount of dopamine in the brain which is why porn is so addictive.
Dopamine cannot actually be “detoxed” from the body, however you can use its effects to your advantage. By removing the things that we rely on to get a quick and easy dopamine release we can essentially retrain yourself to do the harder things to get the same release.
The challenge is:
- NO digital entertainment (no music/ no television)
- NO social media
- NO junk food
- NO alcohol
- NO p*rn (no han solo)
For 7 consecutive days you must follow these rules in order to successfully pass this detox challenge, however if you are feeling confident after doing this for 1 week then maybe try 2 weeks, 3 weeks, maybe even a month. This detox may even open up to new lifestyle changes for yourself. Just by replacing TV, music and social media with physical activity or reading and when it comes to tasty naughty temptations such as Junk food and alcohol try healthy foods and healthier drinks options. And porn is replaced with… well anything.
How do you do it?
No one can really answer that other than you. What can be said is that you must go in open minded, willing to try, be as natural and authentic as possible through the dopamine detox experience. The outcome is unknown until tried. However, some tips that can help is remove as much temptation as possible. For example, you have no junk food in your house so you’re not easily persuaded to cave in to the cravings.
The real question is what are the benefits of this? Does it really do anything?
Pro:
- Learn new skills
- Could open you up to new interests
- Accomplish more in a day
- Clears the mind and makes you more present, more aware
- Reduces anxiety
- Better routines
- Better eating habits
- Weight loss
- Save money
Con:
- Mood swings
- Boredom
- Anxiety
- Cravings
With more pros than cons, how could you not want to try this for yourself so don’t waste time and try “The Dopamine” way.
Alexandra is a junior account manager, who also has her own small business called Petals and Pearls. She has a creative mindset and has a passion for dance.
Cameron is a junior marketer who enjoys roller-blading and playing video games.
