Deceive your brain to stay motivated with a simple psychology hack

Fearing a task at the end of a long week? There may be a way to deceive your brain to see that task as a reward.

“Dopamine Anchoring” is the last trick of psychology that performs rounds on social networks.

The technique implies associating something desirable, such as music or snacks, with a less pleasant task or movement, so that “over time, its brain begins to yearn for the task itself,” according to Joshua Stein, MD, a psychiatrist of children and adolescents in Prairiecare in Minnesota.

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From a neuroscience perspective, the strategy works through the brain dopamine pathway.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with feelings of pleasure.

“When we expect a reward, dopamine levels increase before obtaining the reward,” which helps to increase motivation, Stein told News Digital.

By repeatedly combining something pleasant with an activity such as cleaning, writing or even exercise, it is possible to train the brain to release dopamine in advance, which associates the pleasure of that behavior.

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“There is strong scientific support for this, both of behavioral psychology and neuroscience,” Stein said, noting that stimuli and pairing rewards can influence behavior, even potentially helping with addiction.

This anchoring technique can also be useful for those who have conditions such as ADHD or depression, in which the dopamine system can be outside or deregulated.

“The more consistent the pattern is, the stronger the association.”

Stein said some people can fight with a condition called Anhedonia, which means they have problems experiencing pleasure, starting a task or maintaining their attention focused.

“Strategically anchoring pleasant stimuli to challenging tasks, people can essentially ‘primar’ the brain” to tolerate better, or even enjoy, those activities, according to the doctor.

“In general, it is about working with the chemistry of the brain, not against it.”

Discrediting myths

According to Stein, one of the biggest myths surrounding dopamine is that it is only a “chemist of pleasure.”

“It would be more precise to say that dopamine is the motivation or anticipation of the neurotransmitter,” he said.

Possible disadvantages

While dopamine anchor can be a useful tool in some cases, experts say that the only treatment should not be trusted.

There may be inconveniences to trust the technique as a self -help strategy. “Like any other psychological tool, dopamine anchor should be used consciously,” Stein warned.

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There is a risk that someone can trust external rewards to do anything, which could undermine natural motivation over time.

“Like any other psychological tool, dopamine anchor should be used consciously.”

People should also avoid using unhealthy or too stimulating rewards such as anchors, such as eating sugary snacks after reaching a goal or using social networks after finishing a task, behaviors that can lead to deregulation, a poor approach or exhaustion, said the expert.

Stein suggests anchoring with things that are energizing but not addictive, and building in breaks where motivation can arise more naturally.

“Think of dopamine anchor as a bridge, not like a crutch,” he advised.

Stein also pointed out the erroneous idea that people can incessantly boost dopamine. While short -term increases are possible, too much artificial stimulation can opilate the natural response over time.

Dopamine anchoring examples

“The best way to start practicing dopamine anchor is to start by little,” said Stein.

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The expert offered the examples below for those who seek to try this technique.

• Combine a long unit with a favorite podcast or audiobook
• Schedule a celebration with friends after completing a great project
• Enjoy a favorite healthy snack while working on a challenging task
• Bring a favorite coffee drink to a potentially difficult family visit
• Look a football match while working in the gym

“If you do this constantly, over time your brain will begin to associate that task with a feeling of ease, and maybe even enjoy,” Stein said.

The objective is to maintain simple and non -addictive rewards so that they do not get in the way of the task, according to the expert.

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“In general, sustainability is key,” said Stein.

“You are not trying to deceive your brain, rather, you are training it. And like any other form of training, the more consistent the pattern is, the stronger the association.”