Dopamine Detox

In Today's Email:

• Dopamine Detox…

• Zen Story: Discover below…

• Yogapedia: Balancing Butterfly Pose…

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TODAY'S LEARNING
Dopamine Detox

What is a dopamine detox?

A dopamine detox is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by Dr. Cameron Sepah, a California-based psychiatrist intent on helping people manage addictive behaviors.

Sepah thinks that consciously limiting addictive activities can promote more flexible thinking and increase awareness of impulsive behaviors in people.

Contrary to what the name suggests, Sepah's dopamine fasting program aims to increase dopamine levels rather than deprive the brain of dopamine. In fact, Sepah is noted in the New York Times as saying that one should not take the name of his cognitive behavioral therapy method literally.

The misinterpretation of dopamine fasting has led to a popular fad of denying yourself any pleasurable experiences with the unsubstantiated belief that doing this will “reset” your brain or help lower the threshold at which you experience pleasure.

What dopamine fasting is NOT

Sedah specifically states in his protocol that dopamine fasting isn’t:

• reducing dopamine

• avoiding all pleasure

• social isolation

• stopping exercise

• a form of meditation

Tips to help you detox from dopamine

1. Creating barriers

Original dopamine fasting involves making an undesirable habit difficult to participate in. This can mean:

• putting something out of reach or line of sight

• making it inconvenient

• limiting time spent with others sharing the habit

• installing blocking apps and software

• giving someone else control of necessary resources, like credit cards

2. Selecting beneficial alternatives

Once you’ve made it challenging to engage in the undesired behavior, the next step is to pick an alternative experience that promotes your well-being.

Options may include things such as:

• exercise

• playing with a pet

• reading

• drawing or painting

• calling a loved one

• meditating

• volunteering

3. Understanding underlying causes

Part of dopamine detox is understanding why you want to engage in a specific activity. If your underlying feeling is boredom, for example, recognizing when you’re bored can help keep you from impulsively going to the undesired activity.

Journaling may be beneficial in emotional exploration, allowing you to recognize and put names to the feelings you experience throughout the day.

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TODAY'S POSITIVE NEWS

This Startup Is Using Dead Leaves to Make Paper Without Cutting Trees

ZEN STORY
Show Me Your Temper

A Zen student came to Bankei and complained: “Master, I have an ungovernable temper. How can I cure it?”

“You have something very strange,” replied Bankei. “Let me see what you have.”

“Just now I cannot show it to you,” replied the other.

“When can you show it to me?” asked Bankei.

“It arises unexpectedly,” replied the student.

“Then,” concluded Bankei, “it must not be your own true nature. If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you. Think that over.”

CRYSTAL OF THE DAY

YOGAPEDIA
Balancing Butterfly Pose (Malasana)

What is Balancing Butterfly Pose?

Balancing butterfly pose is a variation of malasana or garland pose. Here, the yogi balances on the toes with the hands in prayer. The pose stretches the feet and develops both strength and balance.

Instructions

• Begin standing with the feet together.

• Exhale and lower into a squat.

• Place the fingertips on the floor in front of the feet to find stability. Open the knees wide and lift onto the toes, bringing the balls of the feet and heels to touch.

• Slowly bring the hands to prayer in front of the chest and then toward the sky.

• Breathe while holding the pose.

• Place the fingertips on the floor, bring the knees together, and inhale to stand.

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