DOPAMINE DETOX | How To Take Back Control Over Your Life

Summary

This video script explores the impact of dopamine on our daily lives, highlighting how it drives desire for instant gratification and can lead to addiction. The speaker embarks on a 7-day dopamine detox, abstaining from social media, junk food, alcohol, and more, to regain focus and mental clarity. The detox leads to increased productivity, a renewed appreciation for simple pleasures like sunrises, and a deeper connection with the present moment, ultimately encouraging viewers to consider their own relationship with dopamine-inducing activities.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that the brain releases as a reward for actions that increase survival likelihood, such as eating or having sex.
• 🍫 The desire for instant gratification, like choosing chocolate over a carrot, is driven by the brain's anticipation of dopamine release for pleasure.
• 🔄 Dopamine cravings can lead to addiction, as the brain seeks repeated stimulation, which can affect areas of life including food, substances, and behaviors.
• 💊 Dopamine does not discern between healthy and unhealthy pleasures, focusing only on the potential for reward.
• 📱 Modern society and companies exploit our dopamine reward system through designed products and platforms to keep us engaged and returning for more.
• 📊 The shift to algorithm-based feeds on social media and ranking systems in games are examples of dopamine exploitation to maintain user interest.
• 🚫 The narrator embarks on a 7-day dopamine detox to change their relationship with dopamine, abstaining from social media, digital entertainment, junk food, alcohol, drugs, porn, and music.
• 🌅 The detox experience led to increased focus, productivity, and a rediscovery of simple pleasures like sunrises and sunsets.
• 🏃‍♂️ Engaging in physical activities and hobbies without distractions allowed for a deeper connection with the present moment and personal interests.
• 🧘 The detox also provided mental clarity and a sense of calm, reducing the constant noise of external stimuli.
• 🔄 The experience highlighted the importance of balancing consumption with creation, and the potential benefits of stepping away from constant stimulation.

Q & A

What is dopamine and why is it sometimes referred to as the 'chemical of want and desire'?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that the brain releases as a reward for activities that increase the likelihood of survival, such as eating or having sex. It is called the 'chemical of want and desire' because it makes us feel pleasure, thus encouraging us to seek out experiences that release more of it.

How does the brain use dopamine to influence our choices, such as between a carrot and a piece of chocolate?

The brain uses dopamine to guide us towards choices that it associates with more pleasure. In the case of choosing between a carrot and chocolate, the brain will likely encourage the selection of chocolate because it releases more dopamine, leading to a greater sense of pleasure.

What is the process through which dopamine can lead to addiction?

When the brain releases a lot of dopamine, it stimulates a craving for the pleasurable experience repeatedly. This can lead to the development of an urge for that experience, which in turn can result in addiction as the individual seeks to recreate the dopamine high.

How do modern companies exploit our brain's reward system to increase engagement with their products?

Companies exploit the reward system by designing products and platforms that trigger the release of dopamine. They use algorithms, levels, and ranking systems to give users constant dopamine hits, encouraging them to return and engage with the product repeatedly.

What are some examples of activities that provide instant gratification and stimulate the release of dopamine?

Examples of activities that provide instant gratification and stimulate dopamine release include using social media, playing video games, consuming junk food, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and watching pornography.

What is the purpose of the 7-day dopamine detox described in the script?

The purpose of the 7-day dopamine detox is to change the individual's relationship with dopamine by abstaining from activities and substances that trigger its release. This is intended to inspire a shift in focus from consuming to creating and to experience the benefits of reduced dopamine-driven distractions.

What specific rules were set for the 7-day dopamine detox challenge?

The rules for the 7-day dopamine detox included abstaining from social media, digital entertainment, junk food, beverages other than water, alcohol, drugs, pornography, and music.

How did the dopamine detox affect the individual's daily routine and productivity?

The detox led to the restoration of a daily routine with activities like walking and exercising. It also increased productivity by reducing distractions and allowing the individual to focus on tasks such as script reviewing and video editing.

What benefits did the individual experience as a result of the dopamine detox?

The individual experienced increased focus, productivity, mental clarity, and a greater appreciation for the present moment. They also found it easier to engage in fulfilling activities and to avoid impulsive behaviors triggered by external dopamine sources.

How did the detox challenge change the individual's perspective on their use of social media and other instant gratification sources?

The detox helped the individual realize the negative impact of constant exposure to instant gratification sources and the importance of balancing consumption with creation. It also made them more aware of the need to control their own decisions and actions rather than being driven by dopamine.

What new activities or hobbies did the individual engage in as a result of having more free time due to the detox?

The individual started learning to fly an FPV drone, which was a hobby they had previously thought would take too much time. They also began to enjoy sunrises and sunsets more, and found the time to engage in these activities due to the reduced time spent on instant gratification sources.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Dopamine and the Quest for Instant Gratification

The script delves into the concept of dopamine as the 'chemical of want and desire,' explaining its evolutionary role in rewarding behaviors that enhance survival. It illustrates how dopamine release is linked to pleasurable activities like eating and sex, which are perceived by the brain as beneficial for reproduction and sustenance. The narrative uses the example of choosing between a carrot and chocolate to highlight how dopamine influences decision-making, favoring the option that promises greater pleasure. It further discusses the addictive nature of dopamine, which can lead to unhealthy habits and addictions, as the brain seeks to recreate the pleasurable state. The script also touches on how modern society and companies exploit this reward system through social media algorithms, video games, and other instant gratification sources, leading to a cycle of constant dopamine seeking and potential addiction.

05:14

🔄 Embracing a Dopamine Detox for Enhanced Focus and Productivity

The speaker shares their personal experience of undergoing a 7-day dopamine detox to reset their relationship with dopamine and improve focus. They outline the rules of the detox, which include abstaining from social media, digital entertainment, junk food, alcohol, drugs, porn, and music. The speaker documents their daily activities, noting the initial challenges of silence and boredom but also the benefits of increased productivity and focus. They describe how the detox allowed them to re-establish a routine, work efficiently, and feel more present and alive. The narrative emphasizes the importance of minimizing external dopamine triggers to prevent impulsive behaviors and regain control over one's decisions and actions.

10:15

🌅 Discovering Mindfulness and the Beauty of Nature During Detox

The script continues with the speaker's journey through the dopamine detox, focusing on the newfound appreciation for simple pleasures like watching sunsets and engaging with animals. They discuss the challenge of dealing with boredom in the evenings and how they overcame it by spending time outdoors and being more mindful. The speaker also shares their experience of trying new hobbies, such as flying an FPV drone, which they were able to pursue due to the freed-up time from abstaining from toxic activities. The narrative highlights the benefits of the detox in terms of mental clarity, creativity, and a deeper connection with the present moment.

15:17

🏖️ Reflecting on the Impact of Dopamine Detox on Mental Clarity and Well-being

In this part of the script, the speaker reflects on the impact of the dopamine detox on their mental state and overall well-being. They discuss the initial difficulties of avoiding social media and the constant need for stimulation, but also the profound sense of calm and clarity that emerged as the detox progressed. The speaker shares how the detox allowed them to experience a sense of liberation from the constant need to check social media or compare themselves to others. They also mention how the detox helped them to be more creative and to enjoy activities like running and swimming without the distraction of music, leading to a deeper connection with their surroundings and a greater appreciation for life's simple moments.

20:24

🌅 The Dopamine Detox Conclusion: Embracing a Life Less Distracted

The final paragraph of the script concludes the speaker's 7-day dopamine detox experience. They reflect on the challenges and benefits of the detox, noting the initial struggles with boredom and the absence of familiar distractions. However, they emphasize the positive outcomes, such as the restoration of daily routines, increased productivity, and a renewed appreciation for nature and personal hobbies. The speaker also discusses the mental clarity and sense of calmness they gained, as well as the reduced feelings of self-absorption and the enhanced ability to be present in the moment. The narrative concludes with a call to action for others to try a similar detox to experience life without the constant noise of modern distractions and to take the first step towards regaining control over their lives.

Keywords

💡Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. In the video, it is described as the 'chemical of want and desire' because it is released by the brain to reinforce behaviors that increase survival likelihood, such as eating and reproduction. The script uses examples like choosing chocolate over a carrot due to the higher dopamine release, illustrating how dopamine can drive cravings and potentially lead to addiction.

💡Evolutionary standpoint

The evolutionary standpoint refers to considering behaviors and mechanisms from a perspective of how they have developed and been maintained over time through natural selection. The script mentions this in relation to dopamine's role in rewarding behaviors beneficial for our ancestors' survival, such as eating fatty foods for energy or engaging in sexual activities for reproduction.

💡Addiction

Addiction, in the context of the video, is a compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences, driven by the brain's dopamine release. The script explains how the constant pursuit of dopamine hits from substances or behaviors can result in addiction, using examples like overeating, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

💡Instant gratification

Instant gratification refers to the fulfillment of a desire or need immediately, without delay. The video discusses how modern society, through social media, video games, and junk food, exploits our brain's dopamine system to provide instant gratification, encouraging constant consumption and engagement without effort.

💡Dopamine detox

A dopamine detox, as presented in the script, is a personal challenge to abstain from activities or substances known to trigger excessive dopamine release, with the aim of resetting one's relationship with these stimuli. The video's author embarks on a 7-day dopamine detox, abstaining from social media, junk food, alcohol, drugs, and other distractions to focus on more meaningful activities.

💡Flow

Flow is a mental state of complete immersion and focus on an activity, often associated with high productivity and enjoyment. The script mentions entering a good flow while working, as the absence of distractions like social media and music allowed for deeper concentration and more accomplished work sessions.

💡Impulsive behaviors

Impulsive behaviors are actions taken without forethought or consideration of consequences, often driven by a desire for immediate reward. The video describes how the brain, after being conditioned by frequent dopamine hits, can develop impulsive behaviors, like automatically checking social media, which the author aims to reduce through the detox.

💡Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without distraction. The script illustrates how the dopamine detox allowed the author to slow down and become more mindful, especially during activities like watching sunsets and sunrises, and appreciating the natural environment.

💡Productivity

Productivity refers to the efficiency and effectiveness in producing desired results. The video's narrative includes the author's experience of increased productivity during the detox, as the elimination of distractions and the regained focus allowed for more tasks to be completed with greater ease.

💡Noise

In the context of the video, 'noise' metaphorically represents the constant distractions and stimuli from modern life that can overwhelm the senses and the mind. The author describes the detox as a way to reduce this 'noise,' leading to a clearer mind, better focus, and a more profound appreciation of life's moments.

💡Self-absorption

Self-absorption is a state of being preoccupied with oneself, often to the exclusion of one's surroundings or other people. The script discusses how the constant engagement with dopamine-releasing activities can lead to self-absorption, but the detox helped the author to become more aware and present in their environment.

Highlights

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that the brain releases as a reward for activities that increase survival likelihood.

Dopamine release feels good during activities like sex or eating a steak due to their evolutionary significance.

The brain's dopamine response can lead to cravings and addictions, like with junk food or social media.

Dopamine does not distinguish between healthy and unhealthy sources of pleasure.

Modern companies exploit the brain's reward system to increase engagement with their products.

Social media platforms and video games are designed to provide constant dopamine hits.

Instant gratification sources like social media and junk food require no effort but provide immediate dopamine rewards.

Dopamine influences our decisions and actions, often leading to a focus on consumption rather than creation.

The speaker embarks on a 7-day dopamine detox to change their relationship with dopamine.

During the detox, the speaker abstains from social media, digital entertainment, junk food, alcohol, drugs, porn, and music.

The detox allows the speaker to re-establish a daily routine and feel more productive.

Without distractions, the speaker finds joy in simple activities and a deeper connection with the present moment.

The detox helps the speaker to avoid impulsive behaviors and regain control over their decisions.

The experience of the detox leads to improved mental clarity and a slower perception of time.

The speaker discovers the benefits of boredom as a catalyst for reflection and change.

The detox concludes with the speaker feeling more focused, present, and in control of their life.

The speaker encourages others to try a dopamine detox to experience life without constant stimulation and to regain control.

Transcripts

Let's talk about dopamine.

People call it the chemical of want and desire, but why is that?

Well, here is how it works.

From an evolutionary standpoint,

your brain rewards you for anything that will increase your likelihood of survival

by releasing a neurotransmitter called "dopamine" in your brain.

That's the reason why it feels so damn good to have sex or to eat a steak,

because our brain thinks that sex equals a reproduction of our species

and that a fat piece of meat equals a long-lasting satiation.

Let's look at an example.

As soon as you're standing in front of your fridge,

and you have the choice to either pick a carrot or a piece of chocolate,

your brain will tell you to pick the one which releases more dopamine

as it knows that it will make you feel more pleasure.

So naturally you will choose the chocolate.

Now you might say "well, that's not too bad to eat a piece of chocolate every now and then"

and that's true. But as soon as our brain releases a lot of dopamine,

it will try to stimulate the craving for that thing over and over again

until you develop an urge for it,

and that's when the addiction kicks in and we can't live without it.

For this reason people become overweight, alcoholics or drug addicts.

The thing is that dopamine doesn't know what's good for us and what isn't.

It doesn't know that eating too much chocolate is unhealthy for us.

All it sees is a potential of pleasure without any context,

and for this reason drug addicts are willing to let their whole life fall apart,

only to get that one hit of dopamine again and again.

The terrifying reality is that almost every company in our modern society

exploits this deeply-rooted reward system by putting it on steroids.

There are millions of experts specifically designing their products and internet platforms

to release as much dopamine as possible

in order to make us come back over and over again.

That's why social media platforms switch from chronological feeds to an algorithm-based feed

and that's why video games have levels and ranking systems, to keep us coming back.

They give us constant dopamine hits

as we jump from one post to the next one and from one level to the next one,

and what makes it even easier for us to engage in social media,

junk food, porn, alcohol, drugs or any other source of instant gratification,

is that it doesn't take us any effort.

We simply have to consume and are instantly rewarded with massive hits of dopamine.

It's crazy to believe,

but we live in a world which is designed to stimulate our emotions

in order to maximize profits.

It is scientifically proven that dopamine has a direct influence

on the decisions we make and the actions we take.

That's why ultimately dopamine controls us on a daily basis

and that's why billions of people unconsciously focus their whole life on consuming

instead of creating the lives they actually want to live.

Alright. So, I honestly believe that this problem is much bigger than we think

and that every single person is impacted by it,

and that's why I want to tackle it by doing a 7-day dopamine detox

in order to change my relationship with dopamine

and hopefully to inspire you guys to do the same.

So here are the rules.

For the next 7 days I won't be allowed to consume the following things.

No social media. I deleted all social media apps from my phone

and I won't be able to access these sites on my laptop as well.

No digital entertainment.

I'm not allowed to watch TV or Netflix and I can't play any videogames.

No junk food. Which means that I can't eat any unhealthy food like chips or sweets.

Regarding beverages, I will only drink water,

so also no Coke Zero.

No alcohol and drugs,

no porn and no music.

This is something I wanted to try for myself

because I'm constantly listening to music and I never really have a moment of silence.

So, now as the rules were set,

I was ready to embark on this journey.

Enjoying the last coke.

I'm gonna miss it.

I'm ready to go,

and I'm looking forward to the next couple of days,

and I hope that I'm going to see some real benefits coming from this.

Let's go!

Unlike many of my other mornings,

this one was without music.

Instead of grabbing my phone right away and playing a random song,

I started my day in silence.

Hey.

Come on, this is like the cutest dog ever, right?

Alright, yeah, I'm just going for a walk here and...

To be honest, it feels great. I'm already loving it.

I haven't really kept up my routine for the last 30 days that I was here on Mallorca.

It's always a little bit difficult if you switch location,

so I didn't go for any walks, I didn't do any workouts

and all that kind of stuff, so it was definitely a goal to get it going again.

When I came back home, I said hi to the other dogs

and made myself cereals with milk for breakfast.

Instead of watching YouTube videos while having breakfast,

I basically did nothing...

Which was kinda boring.

After that, it was time for work.

In the next hours, I reviewed a script for my notion workflow video

and planned the shortlist for the intro of this video.

I pretty quickly started to get into a good flow

because my phone was still at the side of my bed.

I didn't see any good use in having it with me as I couldn't access social media or listen to music,

so I just focused on my work and got a lot of things done.

After that it was time for a good old Spanish lunch with fuet and tortilla.

Spanish food is the best.

First thing I noticed when I came into the car: there was music running.

I immediately turned it off, but it's just so weird to drive without music.

I normally listen to music all the time, especially when I'm driving in the car.

Today I'm not going to listen to anything.

Next up, I went to the supermarket where I bought a ton of chocolate bars

in order to shoot the intro of this video.

So, as you can hear, there is music running here.

There's just nothing I can do. That doesn't count as my fault here.

When I came back home, I filmed all the different b-rool footage for the intro and the fridge scene,

which turned out to be a lot funnier than expected.

This is definitely the most stupid intro I've ever filmed.

I'm not actually eating the chocolate.

So, the day is getting to an end,

the sun is already setting back here

and yeah, it has been a successful day to be honest.

Overall, I felt very very focused today,

because there were just no distractions that could pull me out of my flow.

Yeah, I got a lot of things done. I reviewed a script and sent it out to a client,

I shot the whole intro of this video and a lot of additional b-roll.

I just felt super super productive today.

So, you might wonder why would you do a dopamine detox,

and the thing is that for the last one or two weeks I've been feeling really off.

I was just not focused, I didn't have any motivation to create videos,

I didn't want to stand in front of a camera and I was super indecisive.

Like, I thought at least 10 times if I should shoot this video

or if I should push it back and shoot it later.

That's when I thought like "okay, I've got to get rid of all of these distractions

and I have to focus on the things that I actually want to get done".

And the dopamine detox doesn't mean that you're going to detox from all kinds of dopamine.

Like, my dopamine level is hopefully going to stay consistent,

but what I'm focusing on are all of the external factors,

like social media, like alcohol and all the other things

that just create those impulsive behaviours.

Like, everybody knows when you're just sitting on the toilet and suddenly...

You just have your phone open with Instagram and you're like "how did I get here?",

and that's just the thing. Like, as soon as we get a lot of dopamine from one source,

then our brain just rewires

and we have these impulsive behaviours where we don't even think about it,

but we just do it right away, automatically,

because our brain tells us "okay, I'm going to get a lot of dopamine from there,

so I'm going to do it".

And that's something I definitely want to get rid of. I want to control my own decisions

and control my own actions and yeah,

that's why I'm going to do detox from these sources

in order to just see what kind of benefits they bring me and hopefully to do it in long term.

The sun is set, the birds are still out and...

I still have a couple of hours to kill for today

and I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do yet.

I don't know what's wrong with this dog.

She just has so much energy.

Bad news.

All of my cereals are empty.

Actually, I wanted to just eat a couple of those ones instead for breakfast,

but I'm going to stick to Spanish food again.

I want one of those really bad right now.

You're not gonna get anything!

I'd say that the second day was just as productive as the day before.

I spent all day long editing on a YouTube video where I made a lot more progress than usual

and most importantly, I really enjoyed to edit again.

It felt like the motivation that I had been missing for these past weeks was finally back.

So, for the majority of the day I've been editing my video on how I learned to fly FPV.

I made some real progress there and now I'm actually gonna get out and do a workout

in order to get back to my daily routine

and stay fit.

Honestly, sport without any music...

Kind of sucks.

Do you know what's the funniest thing about this dog?

That he's just like one big muscle and he can't relax at all.

Look at this!

He's just always under pressure!

Right?

Say hello!

Hello!

I love this dog.

When it comes to food, I had the huge advantage that my stepmother is really talented at cooking,

so in the evenings I always had very healthy and tasty meals.

The evenings after dinner were usually the time when the boredom kicked in,

and instead of working another few hours on my videos in order to escape that boredom,

I decided to play with the animals and started to watch more and more sunsets,

which really helped me to slow things down and be more mindful.

So, I just watched the sun go down and...

Yeah, to be honest, I'm feeling super present.

I'm always just like listening to the birds and not having any distractions.

That's just like...

It's so liberating, because...

Normally I would obviously take out my phone all the time to capture everything,

and right now it's just like...

A moment of calm.

So right now it's 5:40 a.m.

This is much earlier than I normally get up,

but today...

I'm gonna go for sunrise because I want to fly my FPV drone.

Let's do this.

Currently on the way to the viewpoint.

I haven't been here before to be honest.

I think it's gonna be a good sunrise.

Look at that drop going down here.

This is epic, hey!

I think the sun is coming up in a minute,

I think we have the perfect timing.

Look at that.

Let's go!

To be honest, I've always struggled with dedicating my time to new hobbies.

I never got started with flying an FPV drone

because I thought that it would take too long to learn it, and...

I wouldn't have time for my other work.

But, as I didn't spend any time watching Netflix or scrolling through my phone,

I was able to replace those toxic activities with things that I always wanted to do,

like flying my FPV drone.

Being up in the air, cruising through this beautiful landscape, I felt super excited.

Not only because I was flying with more than 70 km/h through trees,

but because I finally prioritized my time in the right way and engaged in a new hobby.

So, I just finished my flight.

If you've been watching my last videos,

you know that I am currently practicing on learning how to fly FPV,

and yeah, it's going well so far and...

I'm definitely making some progress here.

Amazing location, one of my favourite spots on Mallorca.

There are just so many cliffs and trees and everything,

And... yeah.

I don't know, I don't really go often for sunrises anymore,

because I'm always too lazy, but I have to say...

It's 100% worth it all the time.

Hey!

Hi!

Look who's been waiting for me.

So, the bad thing about all of these instant gratification sources

is that you can very very easily get addicted to them,

and I definitely saw that happening in my own life with many of those.

Like, I was addicted to videogames when I was 15, where I played like 6 to 7 hours a day.

I definitely had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and also with social media,

and as I just realized that all of these different things

don't contribute to the things I want to pursue in my own life,

I really decided to make some drastic changes,

and that's why I didn't play any videogames for the last 5 years.

I stopped eating any junk food at all for like two years now, I think?

Like, I don't eat any sweets but I just replace them with fruits, which is a lot more healthy.

Also, I definitely improved my relationship with alcohol and also with social media.

And especially during Covid times,

when you're locked at home and you don't have many things to do,

then it just becomes a lot easier to get drawn back into that vicious cycle,

and I also saw that happening for myself.

For example, with social media.

I did a social media detox one year ago,

and I honestly remember it as some of the best times that I had,

because I was just feeling so present

and I was just feeling purely alive in those 30 days without any social media.

And after I finished this detox, I decided to not use any social media on Sundays

and had some different rules and all that kind of stuff, but...

Eventually, as time progressed,

I stopped paying attention to them

and I also got back to spending a lot of time on social media,

which is something I don't want to do.

To be honest, this is something I'm always trying to work on every single day,

to get rid of these bad habits and to take a distance from all of these things

that can make me addicted in a bad way.

Keep your distance to these things. Like, everything is alright if you do it in balance,

but as soon as you do it all of the time,

then you don't have the ability to make your own decisions anymore.

I've been editing on my FPV video and recording voice-overs for it all day long,

and yeah, normally I watch YouTube videos of other creators

when I have lunch or in the evening,

but as I didn't do that for the last days, I really feel like there is some weight

lifted off my shoulders, because I don't have to compare myself with those other creators,

and my videos are okay just the way they are.

That really helps me...

Kind of like get into a flow and move forward with my own projects

without thinking too much about if they should be a certain way and all that kind of stuff.

And also I'm feeling a little bit more creative at the moment, so that's really good.

But I think it's enough work for today, I need to get some motion and do some sports,

and that's why I'm gonna go for a run now.

Let's go.

Also, running without any music,

I actually enjoy it because you can focus so much better on your breath

and also you just take in all of the things around you

instead of, like, just being in your own world.

I wasn't only able to notice my surroundings while running,

but actually during every moment along the way.

Before I started this detox, I was so self-absorbed that my mind was constantly occupied

with everything else besides the actual things happening around me.

I would think about a social media post that I saw an hour ago while talking to a friend,

or be lost in a song instead of listening to the birds.

But the less time I spent bombarding my brain with those short-term dopamine hits,

the more I was able to drown out the noise and embrace the present moment.

I felt like my brain had some sort of reset.

So, I'm currently on the way to one of my favourite sunset spots in the area here.

It's called San Salvador, which is a small mountain.

I'm actually just going there to enjoy the sunset,

take a couple of drone shots and...

Just have a good time, that's all!

I don't know why, but I'm just falling in love with sunsets and sunrises again.

Overall, I really feel that my mental clarity immensely improved, because...

I just don't hop from one activity to the next one,

but I give my brain some time to actually process all of the experiences I take in,

and therefore I'm overall just more calm and settled.

And actually also a friend of mine, with whom I Skyped last night,

he also told me by himself "dude, you're a lot more calm than normally",

like "what's happening?".

So yeah, I definitely enjoy it so far because all of my thoughts are just ordered

and I'm not distracted that much.

And it just feels like I experience everything twice as intensive as before,

because I'm just in the moment and not always on my phone

thinking about the next Instagram post or Instagram story,

and I'm just spending all of my time in my life and not in somebody else's, which is really nice.

So... I'm currently making my way to the beach.

I didn't swim in the ocean this year so far, so I thought today would be the day,

and that's why I'm gonna make use of it.

This is going to be good.

So, my dopamine detox is slowly coming to an end

and I have to say that I really enjoyed those last couple of days.

Obviously there were some temptations here and there,

and sometimes I also felt bored, especially in the evenings

when I just didn't have anything to do.

I couldn't watch Netflix, I couldn't go on social media,

but I just compensated for that time by Skyping with my friends,

which is a pretty good alternative to social media to be honest.

And I just feel like you have to escape that constant stimulus that we have...

In our modern world in order to just zoom out

and to reflect on where you're at at the moment, in order to...

Just see everything objectively and in order to make changes.

And I really feel that I was able to do that by just having these moments of boredom.

I think that they are necessary

and that everything around us is kind of holding us back from having them.

So yeah, I really enjoyed this detox

and I hope that I can keep up the benefits for a couple more days or weeks,

and hopefully I'll also make some changes for my overall life.

Right now, the only thing I've got to do...

Is jump in the ocean.

So, what do I take away from these last 7 days?

Well, things like junk food, alcohol and porn were pretty easy to avoid.

Other things like social media and music were a lot harder for me.

Driving without any music is...

Fucking boring.

But from one day to another, I noticed more and more benefits coming from this detox.

First off, I was able to restore my daily routine by going for walks and working out.

That walk felt amazing.

As my brain was not constantly overwhelmed by so many dopamine hits from external sources,

I was able to replace those toxic activities

with things that actually make me feel present and alive.

I don't know why, but I'm just falling in love with sunsets and sunrises again.

I was able to focus my time on the things which bring me fulfillment,

like working on my business, doing sports or learning a new hobby.

I normally needed a lot of motivation in order to get started with those activities,

but from time to time they kind of became effortless.

5:40 a.m.

Let's do this.

I not only became more productive and focused,

but I overall feel like everything around me started to slow down.

Can you see how fast the clouds are moving?

It's insane.

Not having all of these distractions at my fingertips allowed me to finally catch a breath

and wipe my mind clean of any stressful thoughts.

These 7 days really showed me once again

how much noise we usually expose ourselves to on a daily basis.

It was mind-opening to see how lowering our excessive consumption

can improve so many aspects of our lives

and therefore our overall happiness.

I think that a detox like this can help everyone to see what it's like to live without this noise

and it is the first step to gain back control over your own life.

So, try it for yourself.