I started out wanting to detox, and decided my intention was to reignite motivation, relieve constant cravings and impulses I have, removing the short term fixes. Came across 'Dopamine Detox' created by Dr. Cameron Sepah.
Quote:
What Sepah intended with his dopamine fast was a method, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, by which we can become less dominated by the unhealthy stimuli — the texts, the notifications, the beeps, the rings — that accompany living in a modern, technology-centric society. Instead of automatically responding to these reward-inducing cues, which provide us with an immediate but short-lived charge, we ought to allow our brains to take breaks and reset from this potentially addictive bombardment. The idea is that by allowing ourselves to feel lonely or bored, or to find pleasures in doing simpler and more natural activities, we will regain control over our lives and be better able to address compulsive behaviors that may be interfering with our happiness.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dopamine-fasting-misunderstanding-science-spawns-a-maladaptive-fad-2020022618917
Quote:
“It’s unclear what the long-term implications of this overstimulation are on our brains, but in my private practice working with executive clients, I have observed that this interferes with our ability to sustain attention, regulate our emotions in non-avoidant ways, and enjoy simple tasks that seem boring by comparison,” Sepah wrote. “We may be getting too much of a good thing, especially when dopamine reinforces behaviors that are out of line with our values.” He also links dopamine release to addiction: “Even behaviors such as gaming or gambling can become problematic and addictive through the reinforcement that dopamine brings.” MEL spoke to Sepah, who admitted the term “dopamine fasting” was more about provoking a reaction than maintaining accuracy.
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vb5qb9/dopamine-fasting-is-the-newest-sounds-fake-but-ok-wellness-trend
Sounds like exactly what I need. However upon closer research, there are contradictions, such as- the fact that Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical, it isn't something that can be abstained from. This is a broad misconception, you cannot lower your dopamine levels via fasting.
From what I gather, it's the mindfulness connection, and questioning the cravings while allowing them to be felt, that would be impactful. Not to mention, turning your phone off and putting in a drawer for the day, no netflix.
Has anyone done this before? I have fasted from eating, and live with addictions, so I presume I know what to expect- but any input would be appreciated. I really want this to work.
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From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.
Edited by birdeatingspider (08/13/20 11:23 AM)
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1-3 month Monastic retreats are generally my go to. Depending on where you go you’ll be faced with an environment without electronics, minimal electricity & a humble plumbing situation, vegetarian diet & meals at set times per day with no in between foods, no drugs besides minimal caffeine found in matcha tea served in evening tea, no sugar, no phones /internet etc etc. Lots of formal & informal meditation.
It’s like stepping back in time - and living more deeply connected within our own time. Highly recommended . Can be done for up to 3 months without committing to novitiate training as a monk. The best places are free of cost but harder to find bc they don’t advertise. A real detox experience in a way (from it all) the first couple weeks are hard as hell, then it becomes light and pleasant. Roots out the ego and makes the mind & body much stronger & much more attuned to the greater good.
-------------------- Give me Liberty caps -or- give me Death caps
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