🧠 Mindfulness, dopamine overstimulation and brain supps

Overstimulation and Its Impact on Ambition and Productivity

Alright folks, let's dive into the world of dopamine. This little neurotransmitter is the brain's reward chemical. It's responsible for that "high" you feel when you achieve something. Like when a baddie follows you back on instagram or the first bite of food after a grueling workout.

But here's the thing: In the 21st century, we're in a constant dopamine frenzy. Our smartphones, screens, social media, video games, and other low-effort-high-reward activities keep us locked in a loop of dopamine hits. And while it might feel good in the moment, this state of overstimulation can actually stifle our ambition and productivity.

I for one have been noticing the effects of overstimulation on my productivity and mental health. I’m sure we’ve all had moments where we notice we’ve been staring at our phone for 90 minutes and have accomplished or learned nothing. You feel like shit after. It puts me in a bad mood, I become lethargic and become highly irritable.

The Dark Side of Dopamine

So, what happens when you're constantly bombarding your brain with dopamine? It adapts. It reduces the number of dopamine receptors, meaning you need more of the chemical to feel the same level of satisfaction. In essence, you become numb to pleasure. This is how porn addicts are made.

And here's where ambition and productivity take a hit: When your brain is accustomed to these easy, constant dopamine hits, activities that require more effort (like finishing that work project or hitting the gym) don't seem as appealing. Here’s a great tweet thread by Andrew Wilkinson on the topic.

Marshmallows and the Art of Delayed Gratification

A study (known as the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment) orchestrated by famous Stanford psychologist Walter Mischel, put a group of young kids in a room, sat them down at a table, and placed a marshmallow right in front of them.

How it worked: Walter offered 32 children marshmallows. He would leave them in a room alone with the marshmallow BUT told them if they waited 15 minutes, they could have TWO marshmallows.

What was the result: The kids who were able to delay gratification – those who waited for the second marshmallow – tended to perform better in life many years later. They had higher SAT scores, lower levels of substance abuse, better social skills, and overall higher levels of success.

Takeaways: The more you indulge in these instant gratification activities, the less appealing challenging tasks become. Your ability to "feel good" while doing challenging things diminishes, and this ultimately turns you into a Dallas Cowboy cuck destined for mediocrity.

Lesson: do the hard thing. It will almost always end in a better outcome.

Reclaim Your Brain: Strategies to Combat Dopamine Overstimulation

So, how do you break free from this dopamine treadmill? Here are a few things that can help you get there:

Digital Detox: Consider taking regular breaks from social media, gaming, TV, phub, and other digital distractions. Start with a few hours each day, then try a full day, or even a weekend. Leave your phone in another room when you need to focus on specific tasks at work.

Mindful Engagement: Be more intentional about the time you spend on digital devices. Use them as tools to enhance your life, not as an escape from it. Sometimes I turn my phone on greyscale - it’s way less addictive in black and white. How to change your phone screen to greyscale.

Rewarding Effort: Find ways to make your work or other high-effort activities more rewarding. Create more thoughtful do-do lists. This will make you feel accomplished for knocking off tasks.

Activities that I’ve been doing more recently WITHOUT MY PHONE: lifting/cardio, sauna, going for walks, breathing work or replace some screen time with reading (even just for 10 mins). These little daily detoxes are a good way to break away from your screens. I’ve even considered buying a Light Phone (but haven’t yet).

Repetitive small changes reinforce good habits.

Brain gainz 🧠

Have you ever wanted to be Bradley Cooper in Limitless? You’re not the only one because brain supplement business is in full force. If you’ve listened to any Joe Rogan podcast I’m sure you’ve heard of Alpha Brain. Alpha Brain is basically just a cocktail of nootropics. So why are people talking about nootropics all of a sudden?

I’m sure in school most of us have at least tried taking “study drugs”. I’m talking prescribed medication such as Vyvanse, Adderall, Dexedrine - you name it, I’ve tried it. This stuff makes you highly anxious and is more or less a derivative of speed (take that explanation with a grain of salt). Albeit, works great if you’ve got ADHD. Nootropics are like the Natty alternative.

These supplements promise to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and sharpen focus. Here’s a few that are on my radar:

1. Lion's Mane: Sounds badass huh? This unique mushroom is a hit in the world of nootropics, renowned for its brain-boosting benefits. Studies have found that Lion's Mane can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which helps maintain the neurons responsible for memory and cognition.

2. Nicotine: Yes, you read that right. While typically associated with tobacco (which is obviously bad) it does have a number of benefits relating to cognition. Downsides: it’s mucho addictive and vaping is terrible for you so maybe consider using pouches.

3. Alpha-GPC: This compound is a natural choline compound found in the brain and an ingredient in various memory-promoting supplements. Alpha-GPC is believed to enhance the production of acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in memory and learning functions. This is a core ingredient in Alpha Brain.

4. Bacopa Monnieri: A staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Bacopa Monnieri is praised for its memory-enhancing properties. Several studies have shown that it can improve memory and speed up information processing, making it a popular choice among nootropic users, although more research is likely needed to make such claims imo.

5. Rhodiola Rosea: This adaptogenic herb is known for its ability to help your body handle stress more effectively. Not only that, but Rhodiola Rosea may also improve brain function, reduce mental fatigue, and increase feelings of well-being.

6. Modafinil: Originally developed as a treatment for sleep disorders, Modafinil has found its place in the nootropic community for its ability to enhance wakefulness and cognitive function. Multiple studies have shown it to improve memory, attention, and executive function.

7. ACT Oil (Algal Cognitive Therapy Oil): This plant-based oil is derived from algae and is a rich source of DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid that plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of your brain. DHA supports memory, mood, and cognitive function.

Remember, though these substances can enhance cognitive function, they're not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Nothing will replace a good diet and 8 hours of sleep. As with anything, these things cost money and you should DYOR - after all, I am just some (super handsome) dude on the internet.