#26 Earning Your Dopamine

In today's episode, I dive into a topic that's incredibly important to me—understanding the link between addiction and dopamine. As someone in recovery, I've found that learning about dopamine has been crucial in creating a successful recovery plan. I was inspired by an email from Eric Hinman, who shared his reflections on his 15-year health transformation, highlighting the concept of "no free dopamine." This idea resonated deeply with me and spurred me to create a new routine focused on earning dopamine through healthy, positive activities. Join me as I share how I transformed my life using the Habit Share app to track my new self-care and health habits, turning them into a game that keeps me motivated and focused. I'll walk you through my journey, from battling pain and bingeing to feeling like a completely new person by incorporating daily practices that naturally boost dopamine levels. We'll explore: The dangers of instant dopamine hits from gambling, porn, drugs, alcohol, and junk food How to earn dopamine through activities like cold plunges, sauna sessions, workouts, and nature hikes My personal transformation using the Habit Share app to track and gamify my daily routines The importance of building habits that foster growth and well-being Whether you're in recovery or simply looking to improve your mental and physical health, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you earn your dopamine and transform your life. Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and personal story 02:06 - Eric Hinman's concept of "no free dopamine" 04:26 - Creating a new routine with Habit Share 06:48 - The impact of new habits on pain and mental health 09:10 - Turning addictive tendencies into positive habits 10:35 - Encouragement to build new habits and earn dopamine Resources Mentioned: Eric Hinman Habit Share App Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and rating on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Your support helps me grow the show and reach more people. Share this episode with friends who could benefit from learning about earning their dopamine and transforming their lives. Thank you for being part of this journey with me! Connect with Mary Lacey Banks: Instagram: @marylaceybanks Email: [email protected]