IN today’s world, where instant gratification is just a click or a swipe away, INtoday’s many of us find ourselves trapped in a neverending pursuit of pleasure. Whether it’s scrolling through TikTok, binge-watching a Netflix series or indulging in sugary treats, our brains are constantly flooded with the feel-good hormone dopamine. But what happens when that quest for pleasure begins to dominate your life? That’s where dopamine fasting comes in.
Understanding how dopamine affects us
‘Dopamine is a neurotransmitter: a chemical messenger that facilitates communication between nerve cells in the brain,’ says clinical psychologist Audrey Katsidzira. ‘It plays a pivotal role in the brain’s reward system by motivating behaviour and reinforcing pleasurable experiences.’ Furthermore, dopamine influences various aspects of brain function. ‘It significantly influences the regulation of memory, mood, sleep patterns, cognitive abilities, focus and even physical coordination.’
Dopamine is essential for survival and motivation, but an excess of a pleasurable stimulus can lead to problems. ‘When pursuing activities that trigger a dopamine release, there’s an initial effort in the pursuit,’ says clinical psychologist Jeanie Cavé. ‘Once attained, there’s a peak in dopamine levels, followed by a drop.’ A relentless pursuit of quickin a continuous stream of potential dopamine stimuli, with social media, video games and streaming services providing a never-ending array of opportunities for dopamine hits.
