🍀 Why is caffeine and sugar so addictive?

Hey there, it's Manav! Welcome to Early Adopters, my first-ever personal newsletter.

✨ Every Sunday, I'll be sharing my thoughts on productivity, life lessons, and helpful tips, all based on what I've learned throughout the week.

This weekly newsletter is my way of reflecting on life and keeping track of the fascinating things I discover or come to understand. It's also a promise to myself and all of you to stay mindful and curious and engaged with life's many lessons.

Each issue will dive into specific topics, and I'll be sure to add my own spin to them. So, grab a cup of tea and get ready for some weekly wisdom!

DOPAMINE

Dopamine is one of over one hundred neurotransmitters in the human brain. It is the main brain chemical messenger responsible for making us feel motivated.

Dopamine delivers a sense of satisfaction in our mind after accomplishing a task. It also is released when playing sports, learning something new, finishing a task or project, or getting the big promotion you wanted at work.

An optimal level of dopamine in the pre-frontal cortex can enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving focus and attention.

However, if we are deficient in dopamine levels, this can cause some imbalance in our life. A lack of dopamine is associated with the following consequences:

• Fatigue

• Apathy

• Lack of focus

• Forgetfulness

• Moodiness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Insomnia

• Sugar cravings

• Lower motivation

Conversely, either too low or too high dopamine levels can impair attention and cognitive performance.

1. Identify your triggers: Make a list of activities that provide instant gratification or are highly stimulating, such as using social media, watching TV, playing video games, consuming sugary foods, or engaging in impulsive behaviors.

2. Eliminate distractions: Remove any temptations that could derail your dopamine detox. This may involve deleting social media apps from your phone, using website blockers, or temporarily disconnecting from the internet.

3. Engage in mindful activities such as meditation, yoga, lifting weights, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature. These practices can help you become more aware of your thoughts and de stress us.

What’s the most common ingredient in the most addictive beverages?

Its Caffeine and Sugar. Well, why is it so addictive 🤔

The combination of caffeine and sugar can be addictive due to the way they affect the brain.

• Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine, which makes you feel sleepy, and increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

• Sugar, on the other hand, triggers the release of insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and also stimulates the release of dopamine. When combined, caffeine and sugar can create a powerful and rewarding sensation in the brain that can lead to cravings and addiction.

Additionally, sugar provides a quick source of energy, which can make you feel more alert and focused, while caffeine can enhance cognitive performance, making it a popular combination for people who want to stay awake, alert, and productive. However, it's important to consume caffeine and sugar in moderation, as excessive consumption can lead to negative health effects like anxiety, jitters, and insulin resistance.

💀 CHALLENGES  

Reducing my screen time has been a constant challenge for me. I despise the foggy and cluttered feeling in my mind caused by mindlessly scrolling through social media, akin to playing a slot machine.

I finally decided (enough is enough) to make a change and downloaded this app “Offscreen”.

There are several other alternatives to this app that you can explore, but I have found this one to be incredibly useful.

Now, I have set up a schedule where I have blocked Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter from 10-2 pm and 6-9 pm. Instead of wasting my time on social media, I have dedicated these hours to writing, filming, or editing.

So far, this strategy has been highly effective in curbing my screen time and boosting my productivity.

IKIGAI

Ikigai, a Japanese Philosophy that translates to “a reason for being”, emerges at an intersection of one’s passion, profession, vocation, and mission.

It is the central point where an individual’s values, desires, and skills intersect, creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

It’s not about striving for fame or financial wealth; rather, it emphasizes the importance of a balanced and purposeful life, focusing on intrinsic motivation and personal growth.

Four components of Ikigai:

1. Passion: Identify your passions I.e. activities and pursuits that bring us genuine joy and satisfaction.

2. Profession: Choose your career wisely.

3. Vocation: Discover a cause you feel compelled to serve.

4. Mission: Establish the overarching goal that guides our action and defines our life’s purpose.

FAVORITE FINDS

🎥 TV Show - Succession (2018-2023)

The TV show "Succession" is good because

1. Engaging plot: The series revolves around the power struggle within the Roy family, as patriarch Logan Roy's children vie for control of the family's media and entertainment empire. (Supposedly based on Rupert Murdoch’s story)

2. Complex characters: The show features well-developed, multifaceted characters with distinct personalities and motivations. Each character's strengths and weaknesses are explored, making them relatable and intriguing to watch.

3. Sharp writing and dialogue: "Succession" is def PG13 as its full of vulgar, intelligent, and sometimes darkly comedic dialogue. The writing is sharp and sophisticated, with clever one-liners and memorable quotes.

4. Obsession with how the ultra-rich live: "Succession" delves into themes such as wealth, power, and family dynamics, offering a sneak peak on the lives of the ultra-rich and the corrupting influence of money and power.

5. High production values: The series is visually stunning, featuring impressive cinematography, set design, and locations that add depth and authenticity to the story. HBO always brings it home as usual.

📱 Tech - DJI Mobile Gimbal

I use this gimbal to record all my videos, it provides an exceptional stability.

Article 🖼️ Happiness by Naval

Summary:

Happiness is subjective and can mean different things to different people. However, it is essential to recognize that happiness is a skill that can be developed, rather than we chase.

Desire is a contract for unhappiness, as we often chase things we believe will make us permanently happy, only to return to our previous state once we have them.

Achieving happiness involves a process of understanding and self-discovery. Some people believe that being happy could reduce their drive for success, but it is possible to increase happiness without losing ambition.