How to identify if you have naturally high dopamine levels
Dopamine is a chemical in our brains that makes us feel good. It's often called the "feel good" hormone because it's connected to pleasure and rewards. If you naturally have a lot of dopamine, there are signs to watch out for. While some of the effects can be good, not all of them are necessarily good for you.
You experience mania
You may experience episodes of mania. It may feel like your brain is on an overdrive! This can lead to various symptoms like needing less sleep, pressured speech, becoming significantly more talkative, having racing thoughts, and getting easily distracted. It could also make you feel grandiose and restless, and push you to engage in pleasurable activities even if they could have negative consequences.
You get super excited
You get super excited when you have a goal and even more pumped when you achieve it. Winning becomes a huge thrill for you. While everyone likes winning, you tend to get hooked on it. This can lead to potential issues such as gambling addiction, where the anticipation of winning and the dopamine release associated with it becomes a powerful driving force.
You tend to feel more competitive
You tend to feel more competitive with an inner fire that pushes you to be the best and surpass others. You love the excitement of competition and the thrill of winning. With that extra dopamine boost, your motivation skyrockets, making competitive activities even more enjoyable. Whether it's a fun game or a serious challenge, your high dopamine levels ignite your competitive spirit.
You may have poor impulse control
Naturally high dopamine levels can sometimes make it challenging to control your impulses. You may have a harder time resisting immediate urges or temptations. You may find it harder to think through your actions and make rational decisions. Beware of this tendency and practice self-control strategies to avoid making hasty decisions that could have negative outcomes in the long run.
You engage in emotional eating
You might find yourself turning to emotional eating as a way to cope with emotions. When you're feeling upset or stressed, there's a strong inclination to seek comfort food. This is because your brain craves the rewarding feeling that dopamine provides. However, it's important to be mindful of this tendency and explore healthier ways to manage emotions instead of relying solely on food.
