How Detangling Dopamine Loops Renewed My Perception of Life

Genuine growth unfolds in moments of cataclysmic destruction

Moments of introspective reflection — I have grown fond of lately, particularly in this day and age of information overload. Overcoming my dopamine-driven loops has been an uphill struggle and still is to this day.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for such a timely prompt that inspired me to contemplate my progress.

Before making this conscious decision, I was like a decapitated chicken aimlessly wandering while struggling to obtain its last breath. I was spending — longer than five hours a day on my social media accounts; my school performance was progressively deteriorating, and I quickly became aware of the festering unease in my body.

My quick resolution would be to instantly jump on my phone and unconsciously scroll through my accounts to numb my pain. Little did I realize that the pain would not subside unless I changed the way: I thought about myself, even more so how I perceived my life.

Start creating the ideal environment for your growth

After serious examination, I started imposing limitations on these ephemeral habits. What truly catapulted this desired habit was that, around the same time, Apple released the screen limits tools and the weekly screen reports. I immediately jumped on the bandwagon and started setting up automated restrictions that would protect me from deviating.

To add to that, I turned off the notification alert option; it was a rather challenging resolution for me to arrive at, but it was imminent for the progress I wanted to utter in the universe. Looking back on it — it’s refreshing to witness the growth that has molded over the past two years.

If I had not implemented such adjustments in my personal life, I would not have rekindled my passion for reading and writing; I would not have come across a platform of eloquent writers or started connecting with like-minded people.

It brings me much joy when I ponder all the tribulations I have had to overcome to get to where I am today. I equivalently find it reassuring because I know there is still much more to discover, experience, and accomplish.

The key to overcoming these negative loops

One realization that genuinely awakened my inner yearning to change my circumstances was recognizing how I felt more miserable after engaging in these dopamine-driven loops. I understood that running away from those thoughts of inadequacy and unworthiness would not disappear as long as I kept making a strenuous effort to suppress or resist them.

Resolving to quick thrills further perpetuated this negative loop, which heavily affected how my day would turn out.

Embracing those moments of solitude, either by engaging in silent meditations or journaling my thoughts, created a mirror-like environment that awakened me to the inner silent observer. I was no longer identifying with my thoughts, but rather, I saw myself as more of a channel that gets to decide what vibrations to utter in the universe.

I no longer wanted to be a burden for myself or others.

Learning to accept the ever-present flow facilitated my acceptance towards present circumstances, whether they were positive or negative; I fundamentally understood that each device had a distinct purpose in the crafting of my journey.

Happy Living

It is not easy identifying such negative patterns, but that should not stop you from making an effort to embody a growth mindset. If need be, take a temporary hiatus from whatever triggers such emotions, reevaluate what genuinely makes you happy, and make any necessary changes to continue persevering forward.

Above all, embrace each moment as it emerges and find love for this gift of life.

Thank you all for reading, and thanks to KTHT for this great platform that inspires us to self-express our authentic persona and connect with others.