While many people relate motivation to their willpower, it is more than just checking off tasks from your to-do list. It’s the addition your brain provides you to boost your morale and complete the task at hand. So, have you ever wondered which part of your brain is responsible for motivation?
With how complex the human brain is, since birth, the part responsible for motivation slowly develops. This ends up affecting your energy and emotional health. Let’s explore it in greater detail wih Jordan Veiga:
The Part Responsible For Motivation
Motivation occurs in your brain thanks to a wonderful and vital hormone called dopamine. It creates a reward mechanism in response to productive and beneficial actions, encouraging further activity. As you progress toward checking another task off, your brain stimulates a dopamine release.
Fundamentally, there are two types of motivations:
Intrinsic Motivation
This involves doing an action because it makes one feel good about themselves. For example, playing an instrument because it’s fun and helps you get better at it.
Extrinsic Motivation
It involves completing an activity in order to receive a reward or to stay out of trouble. This can be practicing an instrument for a competition or avoiding criticism.
The Basis Of Improving Your Motivation
Now that we have explained how motivation works and the effect of dopamine, Let’s discuss how to improve your dopamine production:
Get Early Morning Sunlight Daily
With regular practice, cold showers increase gene expression for particular dopamine receptors, causing the release of dopamine. Additionally, think about having a quick, one to three-minute showers. When done properly, cold temperatures have been shown to raise baseline dopamine levels for a number of hours dramatically.
Add Tyrosine-Rich Foods In Your Diet
Red meats, nuts, and hard-fermented cheeses are rich in amino acids and tyrosine, a dopamine-building block. It helps your body produce dopamine naturally. The calorie and nutritional value of these foods must be taken into account. Tyrosine can also be obtained from plant sources, which can be located with a quick internet search.
Don’t Take Melatonin Supplements Unless Necessary
Studies have demonstrated that these supplements alter regular sleep patterns and lower dopamine levels. Use melatonin only when you are experiencing jet lag; magnesium and herbal teas are better alternatives.
Steer Clear Of Bright Lights From 10 PM To 4 AM
Bright light exposure causes the habenula brain region to become active, which dramatically reduces blood dopamine levels. If there is any light exposure during these times, make sure it is minimal. Avoid frequent exposure, especially if you work shifts or are suffering from jet lag, even though occasional exposure is acceptable.
Find Your Motivation And Improve Your Lifestyle
Knowledge of dopamine’s relation to motivation can help us learn how to use the force. The production of dopamine can be increased by such practices as getting exposure to sunlight early in the morning. Do not confuse motivation with willpower. Motivation is a combination of biological and psychological functions. Read our book to get motivation.
