Dopamine | Psychology Today Singapore

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<div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="54141" role="article" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/2020-09/shutterstock_740391997.jpg?itok=MqWLPyV6" width="75" height="75" alt="Peshkova/Shutterstock" title="Peshkova/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Dopamine</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/sg/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="reference__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p dir="ltr">Dopamine is known as the feel-good neurotransmitter—a chemical that ferries information between neurons. The brain releases it when we eat food that we crave or while we have <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/sex" title="Psychology Today looks at sex" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">sex</a>, contributing to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction as part of the reward system. This important neurochemical boosts mood, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at motivation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">motivation</a>, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">attention</a>, and helps regulate movement, learning, and emotional responses.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#dopamine-and-behavior"> Dopamine and Behavior </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#dopamine-and-the-brain"> Dopamine and the Brain </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#how-to-increase-dopamine"> How to Increase Dopamine </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="dopamine-and-behavior" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How Dopamine Influences Behavior </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_365052470_1.jpg?itok=P3i84wBc" width="180" height="180" alt="pathdoc/shutterstock" title="pathdoc/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p>In lab experiments, dopamine prompts a rat to press a lever for food again and again. This is no different in humans; it’s the reason why we partake in more than one helping of cake. This press-the-lever action applies to addiction as well. People with low levels of dopamine may be more prone to addiction; a person seeking pleasure via drugs or <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/alcohol" title="Psychology Today looks at alcohol" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">alcohol</a> or food needs higher and higher levels of dopamine.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does dopamine make you feel? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Dopamine causes you to want, desire, seek out, and search. It increases your general level of arousal and your goal-directed behavior. Dopamine makes you curious about ideas and fuels your search for information. Dopamine creates <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/brain-wise/201802/the-dopamine-seeking-reward-loop">reward-seeking loops</a> in the sense that people will repeat pleasurable behavior, from checking <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/social-media" title="Psychology Today looks at Instagram" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Instagram</a> to taking drugs.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What does it mean to say someone has high levels of dopamine? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>A person with high levels of dopamine, whether due to temperament or to a transient—perhaps chemically induced state—can be described as a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/articles/201910/lust-life">sensation seeker.</a> The upside of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/sensation-seeking" title="Psychology Today looks at sensation seeking" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">sensation seeking</a> is that people see potential stressors as challenges to be overcome rather than threats that might crush them. This mindset is a buffer against the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">stress</a> of life. It increases their hardiness and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/resilience">r</a>esilience in the long term.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What is the dopamine reward circuit? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>The release of dopamine creates a reward circuit in the brain. This circuit registers an intense experience (such as getting high) as "important" and creates lasting memories of it as pleasurable. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/201008/dopamine-why-its-so-hard-just-say-no">Dopamine changes the brain</a> on a cellular level, commanding the brain to do it again.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="dopamine-and-the-brain" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/psychiatry" title="Psychology Today looks at Psychiatric" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">Psychiatric</a> and Neurodegenerative Disorders </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_529299211_1.jpg?itok=vsKB0ceT" width="180" height="180" alt="whiteMocca/shutterstock" title="whiteMocca/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p dir="ltr">Swedish pharmacologist and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/neuroscience" title="Psychology Today looks at neuroscientist" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">neuroscientist</a> Arvid Carlsson won the Nobel prize in 2000 for his research on dopamine, showing its importance in brain function. He helped show that the neurotransmitter is heavily involved in the motor system. When the brain fails to produce enough dopamine, it can result in Parkinson’s disease. The primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease is a drug called L-dopa, which spurs the production of dopamine.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dopamine has also been implicated in schizophrenia and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/adhd" title="Psychology Today looks at ADHD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">ADHD</a>; the brain systems underlying these conditions (as well as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/addiction" title="Psychology Today looks at substance abuse" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">substance abuse</a> disorder) are complex. The activity of the dopamine system depends on the state of one’s dopamine receptors, and in people with these conditions, the chemical interacts with other factors in ways that have yet to be explained.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does dopamine function in the brain? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>It is no exaggeration to say that dopamine makes us human. Beginning in infant development, dopamine levels are critical, and mental disabilities can arise if dopamine is not present in sufficient quantities. Dopamine is implicated in genetic conditions like congenital hypothyroidism. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201105/dopamine-primer">Dopamine deficiency </a>is also implicated in other conditions such as Alzheimer's, depressive disorders, binge-eating, addiction, and gambling.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What is the link between dopamine and conditions like ADHD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Drugs currently used to treat ADHD do indeed increase the effectiveness of dopamine. This <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/1-2-3-adhd/201804/the-dope-dopamine">helps patients with ADHD</a> focus and pay better attention to one thing at a time. How exactly more dopamine translates into better <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at concentration" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">concentration</a> and focus is not yet understood.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What is the link between dopamine and Parkinson鈥檚? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>In this neurodegenerative disorder, the decline begins with the dopamine-producing cells in the brain where movement is coordinated. As these cells degrade, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/diagnosis-diet/201906/parkinsons-alzheimers-and-the-new-science-hope">motor function is compromised</a>, which includes tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia or slowed movement, as well as changes in speech and gait.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="how-to-increase-dopamine" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> How to Increase Dopamine </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2018-12/shutterstock_732175816.jpg?itok=FO_cJDua" width="180" height="180" alt="Milos Batinic/Shutterstock" title="Milos Batinic/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Scientists who study neurological and psychiatric disorders have long been interested in how dopamine works and how relatively high or low levels of dopamine in the brain relate to behavioral challenges and disability.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are ways to up one's dopamine levels naturally, and basic self-care is the place to start. A night of fitful sleep, for one, can reduce dopamine drastically. Here are some tips to boost levels:</p> <ul dir="ltr"><li>Eat foods rich in tyrosine including cheese, meats, fish, dairy, soy, seeds, nuts, beans, lentils, among others. While tyrosine supplements are available, consuming foods is preferred.</li> <li>Up magnesium intake with foods such as seeds, nuts, soy, beans, whole grains, among others.</li> <li>Avoid processed foods, high-fats, sugar, caffeine.</li> <li>Proper sleep hygiene is mandatory, as it fuels dopamine production.</li> <li>Exercise daily.</li> <li>Avoid stress, apply techniques such as <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/meditation" title="Psychology Today looks at meditation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">meditation</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/fantasies" title="Psychology Today looks at visualization" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">visualization</a>, breathing exercises.</li> <li>Consider the use of natural <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/nootropics" title="Psychology Today looks at nootropics" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-SG">nootropics</a> including L-Tyrosine and L-theanine. </li> </ul><p dir="ltr"></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-92f49991b4628cbc8f1f06901800bfbdc8b4e033da9ad28b981f71c357f2aa73"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5021755"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/digital-world-real-world/202406/social-media-influencers-and-dopamine-overdose"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-06/istockphoto-1015875708-612x612.jpg?itok=3wKHuPVh" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Hendra Su / iStock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/digital-world-real-world/202406/social-media-influencers-and-dopamine-overdose" title="Social Media Influencers and Dopamine Overdose"> Social Media Influencers and Dopamine Overdose </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Neuroscience findings regarding dopamine's roles in social decision-making illuminate concerns about social media influencers. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5020023"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/addiction-outlook/202405/how-we-can-exercise-away-addiction-and-depression"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-06/shutterstock_2120029319_0.jpg?itok=iXD_Ejuc" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Taras Grebinets/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/addiction-outlook/202405/how-we-can-exercise-away-addiction-and-depression" title="How Exercise Helps Us Fight Depression and Addiction"> How Exercise Helps Us Fight Depression and Addiction </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> It can curb cravings, replace triggers, and improve self-image. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5019438"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-behavioral-microbiome/202404/dopamine-intelligence-and-sex-drive-an-intriguing-nexus"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-04/ai-generated-8699250_1280.jpg?itok=S27r3Jm-" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Pixabay- AI generated" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/the-behavioral-microbiome/202404/dopamine-intelligence-and-sex-drive-an-intriguing-nexus" title="Dopamine, Intelligence, and Sex Drive: An Intriguing Nexus"> Dopamine, Intelligence, and Sex Drive: An Intriguing Nexus </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Dopamine mediates the desire for sexuality and also ingenuity. A heightened dopaminergic system in the brains of geniuses may lead them to seek more sexual experiences in their private lives. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5016744"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/understanding-hypnosis/202402/3-activities-to-beneficially-release-dopamine"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-02/FOTOGRIN.jpg?itok=ZNzL1MQR" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Fotogrin/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/understanding-hypnosis/202402/3-activities-to-beneficially-release-dopamine" title="3 Activities to Beneficially Release Dopamine"> 3 Activities to Beneficially Release Dopamine </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Understanding the mechanisms of dopamine release and regulation can help improve your well-being. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-35e2b58b781db927f559092e9710d13a11cbb809ff3db6d20a0c11ce000b7c2d layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5028133"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/motivate/202412/what-if-everything-you-believe-about-yourself-is-wrong"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-12/62ecda45-78ef-4e48-88ea-f90f696e0e8c.jpg?itok=g4E5rjcY" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="DALL路E/OpenAI" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/motivate/202412/what-if-everything-you-believe-about-yourself-is-wrong" rel="bookmark">What if Everything You Believe About Yourself Is Wrong?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Are the beliefs you harbor about yourself based on sound evidence or more on accumulating a lifetime of your personal brand of fake news? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Are the beliefs you harbor about yourself based on sound evidence or more on accumulating a lifetime of your personal brand of fake news? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027991"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/brain-reboot/202412/your-brain-on-holiday"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-12/shutterstock_748144570.jpg?itok=P798JH9O" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Shutterstock / MilanMarkovic78" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/brain-reboot/202412/your-brain-on-holiday" rel="bookmark">Your Brain on Holiday</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> From the memory-boosting magic of music to sneaky holiday stress, let鈥檚 consider the brain鈥檚 vital role in the season. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> From the memory-boosting magic of music to sneaky holiday stress, let鈥檚 consider the brain鈥檚 vital role in the season. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027058"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/rewired-the-psychology-of-technology/202411/my-parkinsons-year-5-update"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-yaroslav-shuraev-8088897.jpg?itok=vxnH-gK9" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Yaroslav Shuraev / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/rewired-the-psychology-of-technology/202411/my-parkinsons-year-5-update" rel="bookmark">My Parkinson's Year 5 Update </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Personal Perspective: My continuing 5-year battle with Parkinson's Disease </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Personal Perspective: My continuing 5-year battle with Parkinson's Disease </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026878"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/creating-wellbeing-wherever-you-are/202411/3-ways-to-turn-stress-into-action"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/shutterstock_1708682812.jpg?itok=JnFbpGNT" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="noraismail/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/creating-wellbeing-wherever-you-are/202411/3-ways-to-turn-stress-into-action" rel="bookmark">3 Ways to Turn Stress Into Action </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> If you're feeling overwhelmed by circumstances outside your control, turn bad stress into good stress and make your stress response work for you through action and finding meaning. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> If you're feeling overwhelmed by circumstances outside your control, turn bad stress into good stress and make your stress response work for you through action and finding meaning. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026583"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/unlock-your-true-motivation/202411/navigating-a-world-of-hidden-lures-and-compulsions"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/photo-1631641429333-d4734f5224b5.jpeg.jpg?itok=nJzbXYCo" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Scotty Turner / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/unlock-your-true-motivation/202411/navigating-a-world-of-hidden-lures-and-compulsions" rel="bookmark">Navigating a World of Hidden Lures and Compulsions</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Many everyday behaviors can become compulsive, driven by our brain鈥檚 dopamine system. However, you keep your habits balanced.<br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Many everyday behaviors can become compulsive, driven by our brain鈥檚 dopamine system. However, you keep your habits balanced.<br /> </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025750"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/brain-reboot/202410/how-our-brain-navigates-conflicting-feelings"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/brain.jpg?itok=xmwOndCk" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Jorm Sangsorn/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/brain-reboot/202410/how-our-brain-navigates-conflicting-feelings" rel="bookmark">How Our Brain Navigates Conflicting Feelings</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Explore the intricate dance of mixed emotions, from joy to sorrow, and how our brains navigate the complexity. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Explore the intricate dance of mixed emotions, from joy to sorrow, and how our brains navigate the complexity. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025432"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/motivate/202410/pursuing-goals-how-far-would-you-walk-for-a-croissant"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/IMG_5005.jpg?itok=jR80GEvm" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Bobby Hoffman" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/motivate/202410/pursuing-goals-how-far-would-you-walk-for-a-croissant" rel="bookmark">Pursuing Goals: How Far Would You Walk for a Croissant?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Whether or not you attain your goals is based on a variety of psychological and physiological factors, all of which are within your control. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Whether or not you attain your goals is based on a variety of psychological and physiological factors, all of which are within your control. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025155"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/explorations-of-the-mind/202409/behind-the-magic-and-mystery-of-dreams"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-09/The%20Sleeping%20Gypsy.jpg?itok=yLqxqOZs" width="288" height="288" alt="The Sleeping Gypsy" title="Henry Rousseau/Public Domain" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/explorations-of-the-mind/202409/behind-the-magic-and-mystery-of-dreams" rel="bookmark">Behind the Magic and Mystery of Dreams</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> The meaning and purpose of dreams has been debated from time immemorial. And the debate continues. In my experience, dream work can be highly instructive and beneficial. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> The meaning and purpose of dreams has been debated from time immemorial. And the debate continues. In my experience, dream work can be highly instructive and beneficial. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5024857"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/unlock-your-true-motivation/202409/how-to-boost-dopamine-naturally"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/photo-1627662234702-d9a86170325e.jpeg.jpg?itok=Ca_Mm3nK" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Tyson / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/unlock-your-true-motivation/202409/how-to-boost-dopamine-naturally" rel="bookmark">How to Boost Dopamine Naturally</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Discover how dopamine impacts your mood, motivation, and mental health鈥攁nd learn simple ways to naturally boost it for a happier, more rewarding life. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Discover how dopamine impacts your mood, motivation, and mental health鈥攁nd learn simple ways to naturally boost it for a happier, more rewarding life. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5024742"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/sg/blog/mythbusting-adhd/202409/unlocking-the-adhd-brain"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/pexels-tara-winstead-8378747.jpg?itok=MSmlbKfx" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Tara Winstead / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/sg/blog/mythbusting-adhd/202409/unlocking-the-adhd-brain" rel="bookmark">Unlocking the ADHD Brain </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Ever wonder what鈥檚 happening inside the brain of someone with ADHD? From dopamine imbalances to lagging executive functions, learn how these factors influence ADHD behaviors.<br /> <br /> </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Ever wonder what鈥檚 happening inside the brain of someone with ADHD? 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