Behaviourceuticals: How Actions Can Heal Your Brain
Episode Overview
Action is more effective than just thinking about change. Engaging in new behaviours can act as medicine for the brain. Learning new skills reduces stress and increases dopamine levels. Focus on starting healthy behaviours rather than just stopping bad ones. Mindfulness and purposeful activities are key to sustainable change.
Action is the antidote to inertia. It’s not just thinking; it’s doing that drives results
In this episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts dives into the fascinating concept of 'behaviorceuticals' - how our actions can serve as medicine for our brains. She explores how engaging in new, purposeful activities can help rewire our brains and reduce our reliance on alcohol for comfort or escape. The episode kicks off with a powerful quote from Elizabeth Benton, highlighting the importance of action over inertia.
Molly emphasises that while thinking about solutions is important, it's the actions we take that truly drive change. She shares an intriguing study involving rats driving tiny cars, which illustrates how learning new skills can reduce stress and increase dopamine levels in the brain. By focusing on what new and healthy behaviours we want to start doing, rather than just what we need to stop doing, we can create sustainable change.
Molly challenges listeners to try something new this week, whether it's picking up an old hobby or starting a new one, and to pay attention to how it makes them feel. This episode is a perfect blend of neuroscience, practical advice, and a touch of humour, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to build a healthier relationship with alcohol.