You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson +1: Energizers vs. Enervators - The Art & Science of How to Take a Good Break
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Sep 22, 2023 This podcast explores the importance of taking good breaks and shares strategies for effective stress relief.
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Choose Breaks That Heal Not Just Reward
- Do take breaks that boost serotonin, GABA, and oxytocin rather than only seeking dopamine hits.
- Kelly McGonigal lists effective breaks: exercise, prayer, reading, music, social time, massage, walking outside, meditation, yoga, and creative hobbies.
Calming Breaks Beat Exciting Ones
- Insight: Stress relief that isn't exciting often works better because it reduces stress hormones and activates the relaxation response.
- McGonigal explains these activities shut down the stress response and are underestimated because they lack immediate excitement.
Swap Dopamine Traps For Energizers
- Avoid relying on dopamine-driven activities when stressed because your brain will mispredict what will make you feel better.
- Swap enervating choices (gambling, binge TV, scrolling) for energizers like walking, social time, or creative hobbies.