How long does it take for dopamine to fall back to baseline after spiking it like playing some videogames etc
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Dopamine levels can indeed fall below baseline after engaging in highly stimulating activities, such as playing video games. The extent of this drop depends on the intensity of the dopamine spike; the higher the peak, the more significant the drop below baseline. Recovery back to baseline dopamine levels can take some time, often requiring several days for the dopamine stores to replenish 1.
mentions that engaging in a 30-day fast from highly stimulating activities, like video games, proved effective for an individual experiencing low concentration and mood. The first two weeks were particularly challenging, but significant improvements in mood and concentration were noted as dopamine levels were restored 2.
also suggests that understanding this dynamic can help manage motivation and mood effectively. Resisting the urge to continually seek out peak experiences is crucial, as repeated attempts to generate dopamine spikes can lead to a progressively lower baseline 3.
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