Overindulging in pretty much anything is bad and can result in feelings of burnout, lethargy, overstimulation, or confusion. Your mind can wander due to the uncontrollable ability to regulate relevant emotions. A big spike or dump in dopamine can send your mind haywire. Once you have experienced a spike or dump, it is very hard to resolve the feeling and can sometimes take a long time to recover.

Like many people, I have definitely overindulged in an array of things, from food and alcohol to various forms of stimulation like movies, games, or social media. Sometimes, after excessive amounts of dopamine, sugar, or alcohol, I find myself in a state of confusion and loss. My train of thought becomes scattered, and I struggle to control my emotions. I fluctuate between states of euphoria and despair. These drastic changes in emotion make it difficult to find balance and regulate my day-to-day activities and life.

As I've grown older, gained more life experience, and matured in my thought process, I have found a better grasp on distinguishing good versus bad behaviours. I am more calculated in my approach to risk versus reward. Finding more balance and maintaining a stable emotional state has become more achievable.

Over the past 2-3 years, I have started incorporating more techniques on a more consistent basis to control overuse or overindulgence in areas where I am susceptible. I don't aim to eliminate these 'entertainment' type activities completely, but I strive to integrate circuit breakers or recharge points into my lifestyle to control potential breakouts and subsequent dopamine spikes or dumps that may lead to a loss of control.

Detoxification is important in all areas of life. Some of the detoxification methods I use include fasting from food to cleanse my organs. I practice an 18-6 hour intermittent fasting routine daily and complete a 72-hour water fast every six months. Another significant weekly detox is spending 20-30 minutes in a sauna 2-3 times per week. This helps detoxify my body using heat shock proteins and sweating out toxins.

The third primary detoxification technique I have been practicing lately is limiting my use of social media and television. I avoid these platforms during the first two hours of my day and the last two hours before bed. This gives my mind the opportunity to focus on what truly matters in the morning and unwind in the evening. I also impose a 15-minute restriction on social media apps on my phone. If I find myself overusing anything I also switch my phone to a black and white setting to restrict the light stimulation, which has really helped refocus my attention on when required.

Out of all these different types of detoxing, overstimulation through entertainment and social media is definitely my main area of focus at the moment, and the one I have started emphasizing on the most. I find that overstimulation is a catalyst for procrastination, lack of focus, and lack of motivation. When I overindulge, my mind wanders, and I quickly find myself questioning my progress towards improvement.

However, given the right detox and or controls to ensure there is a regulated detox integrated into my day-to-day activity, this provides a system in which I can stay on the right track, or realign if required.
Whether it be short term methods in trying to control or regulate a behaviour you believe could be a potential hazard in your life, or a larger addiction you are looking to remove from your life completely there are a range of detoxification techniques and options for you, from the above day-to-day controls I put in place for myself, monthly alcohol free stints or simply stopping to reflect on recent decisions or lack of. It’s important to remove overuse or overindulgence by cutting the trend and allowing your mind and or body to have a chance for a detox, to repair, rejuvenate and recharge in the search for happiness.

Thanks,

Dean