Dopamine" is a word that was heard for the first time and created excitement in the mind. What could it be? Dopamine as it can also be called, can mean anything. It may sound like the name of a tablet, but on closer understanding, "dopamine" means exactly what we experience every day.

What is it? Well, we are all familiar with mobile phones, shopping, fast food, online games, YouTube, and other addictions that have become a part of our lives. These temptations have a strong impact on people, and they create a strong desire in our minds. The desire to indulge in these things and engage in them repeatedly is what we often refer to as "dopamine."

Dopamine is a hormone that is released in our bodies. It is present in the body from the moment we are born. Adequate levels of dopamine in the body are crucial for overall well-being. It acts as a motivator, keeping our minds happy. If there is a deficiency of dopamine, it can lead to feelings of sadness.

To put it simply, dopamine is something our body needs. It is necessary for various other functions in the body and acts as a reward system, keeping our minds content. When dopamine levels are low, it can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction.

Let's take an example of a "web series." Nowadays, watching web series, which has become a new form of entertainment, can be quite engaging. While watching each episode, we eagerly await what will happen next (often, the episodes are designed to keep us engaged, which is a part of their business strategy). If we don't get to see what happens next, we may feel restless, as the dopamine levels in our body increase, which can be detrimental to our mental health.

Now, suppose you are watching a web series and you are not particularly interested in it. It doesn't appeal to you, and you don't enjoy it. However, you have noticed that web series are gaining popularity on social media, TV, and newspapers. You have an idea about how they are presented and the various ways they can impact people. You are aware of the dopamine rush that comes from consuming such content repeatedly. But deep down, you have a question in your mind about whether it's worth it to keep engaging in these web series (even though you may end up watching them again). It goes like this...

With just one click, you can order things online, whether it's food or any other item. Similarly, with a click or a swipe, you have access to numerous new content, flooding your social networking sites and online shopping platforms. These platforms are filled with captivating content. Each site has been designed to give you a dopamine kick.

That's why notifications appear with attention-grabbing red colors. Liking something is as easy as a click. All these websites and applications have various features that are designed to be easily accessible through a swipe or a finger tap.

This constant scrolling and swiping can become a habit. It may seem like a small act, but it keeps increasing the dopamine levels in our minds. Whenever a notification pops up, we are compelled to check it and see what it is about, contributing to the dopamine rush.

Furthermore, it becomes a source of pleasure and benefits. So, even if you are scrolling through social media, you may not be particularly interested in the content, but you still feel the need to keep scrolling to get that momentary rush of dopamine. It can lead to restlessness, fluctuating mood, decreased productivity, lack of focus, procrastination, physical and mental exhaustion, and sometimes an excessive urge to keep checking or engaging with the content.

Web series, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms have become an integral part of today's youth. It's not their fault; they are a part of the business world. But it's important for us to introspect. Through all this, the dopamine levels in our bodies keep rising. We experience various symptoms like restlessness, continuous headaches, reduced efficiency, lack of interest, unfinished tasks, and physical and mental fatigue.

Will this ever stop? Probably not. Or maybe it will, but it will require conscious efforts, and we might end up feeling frustrated. That's why it's important to maintain a positive state of mind, reducing the dependency on social media and making an effort to engage in meaningful conversations or activities with others. This will help decrease the reliance on external sources for dopamine and allow us to find inner peace and balance.

In moments where there is no light, or when you are sitting idle without a fan, or when your phone battery is drained, try to be present at the moment. Reduce your exposure to social media during breaks; this effort will be significant because it will reduce the fluctuations of dopamine levels in your body, allowing you to spend more time on self-reflection and contemplation. By doing so, you can achieve mental and physical tranquility.

Life happens only once. If we want it to be fulfilling, joyful, and healthy, it is essential to keep our dopamine levels balanced. While it is necessary for us as individuals to seek happiness, it is equally important to maintain a healthy mind.

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