Why You’re Unhappy with Dr Loretta BreuningWhy You’re Unhappy with Dr Loretta Breuning
Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life!
My guest this week is Dr Loretta Breuning who is the author of The Happy Brain. Loretta was on the podcast back in 2021 and that episode was one of our most popular ones with more than 2,000 downloads. Here is the link to that podcast episode. So sh...
50:32•20 Jan 2024
Why You're Unhappy: Dr. Loretta Breuning Breaks It Down
Episode Overview
- Happiness is a learned skill, not a default state
- Understanding the role of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin in pursuing happiness
- Importance of setting achievable goals to trigger dopamine
- Value of support groups in releasing oxytocin and providing a sense of protection
- Need to replace the perceived reward of alcohol with healthier pleasures
“Just like animals, our brains are wired for survival rather than happiness.”
What if happiness isn't something that just happens to you, but something you can learn? In this episode of Tribe Sober, Janet Gourand welcomes back Dr. Loretta Breuning, the author of 'The Happy Brain' and founder of the Inner Mammal Institute. Dr. Breuning is here to talk about her latest book, 'Why You're Unhappy: Biology vs Politics,' and it's a conversation you won't want to miss. Dr. Breuning dives into the idea that happiness isn't our natural state.
Instead, she argues, it's a skill we can develop. She explores how our brain chemicals—dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—play a crucial role in how we feel. Ever wondered why small wins make you feel so good? That's dopamine at work. Or why being around supportive people makes you feel safe and happy? That's oxytocin kicking in. But it's not all science talk. Dr. Breuning also shares practical tips on how to set small, achievable goals to keep those feel-good chemicals flowing.
She emphasizes the importance of finding healthier pleasures to replace the temporary highs we might get from alcohol. This episode is packed with insights that challenge societal norms about happiness and provide actionable advice for anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being. Whether you're sober-curious, in recovery, or just interested in the science of happiness, Dr. Breuning's wisdom offers something valuable for everyone.
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