Discover why the difference between happiness and pleasure is such an important distinction for you to understand. Then learn 3 important things that can help you move beyond simple pleasure and towards happiness. This is very helful with ADHD, stress, and anxiety.

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This information is based on an interview of Dr. Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist.

Dr. Lustig discusses the concept of Happiness versus Pleasure through his talk published through the University of California Television YouTube Channel.

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At a biological level, Dr. Lustig simplifies the distinction by discussing two neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin.

Dr. Lustig explains how those things that bring you immediate pleasure cause a hit of the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain.

Dopamine provides that quick hit of short-term pleasure.  It can be associated with addictive behaviours. Over time, one builds tolerance and it takes more and more of the substance to generate that same feeling one has come to expect.

Dr. Lustig explains how one can be addicted to drugs and alcohol but this can also extend to substances as simple as coffee, and material possessions. In short, anything that you feel you must have (that is not a necessity of life) that really impairs with your daily life – if you don’t have it – could be a signal of addiction. Now, on the other hand, those things that bring you true happiness are related to serotonin, which leads to contentment, which is different from short-term pleasure.  Serotonin inhibits excitement between nerve cells and that is why it can lead to the feeling of contentment or zenning out, where you don’t feel as though you need anything else in the moment.

Now there are many ways you can increase serotonin naturally, that we share through our various podcasts, videos, and free newsletter.

In Part 2 of this video series next week, we will provide you with some quick and easy ways to “make way” in your life so that those things that may be “blocking” you from “happiness,” are no longer in your way.

In the first video, we discussed how those things that bring you immediate pleasure cause a hit of the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain.

On the other hand, those things that bring you true happiness are related to serotonin, which leads to contentment, and this is different from short-term pleasure.

Serotonin inhibits excitement between nerve cells and that is why it can lead to the feeling of contentment or zenning out, where you don’t feel as though you need anything else in the moment.

Now there are many ways you can increase serotonin naturally, that we share through our various podcasts, videos, and free newsletter. However, today we will provide you with some quick and easy ways to “make way” in your life so that those things that may be “blocking” you from “happiness” are no longer in your way.

In our experience some truly great ways to allow you to focus on what truly makes you happy is by integrating the following three principles into your daily life.  These three principles are:

• Simplifying
• Minimizing
• Organizing

1) Simplifying

To simplify, start by thinking about how you can make things simpler in your daily life.

When you spend some time thinking about simplifying things: you will be amazed with what you come up with.

2) Minimizing

Learn to get rid of things you don’t require or care about anymore.  Throw out things are no longer any good.  But consider donating old items when they have been replaced with something new.  If you want more tips, you can even do an internet search on decluttering and organizing.  There is an abundance of good information out there on minimalism.

3) Organizing

Spend time on a regular basis with a day planner or electronic planning.  Stick to a system so that you keep it simple and you can become proficient with whatever system you are using. Taking time to plan can be very powerful.  A method many people have found very helpful is Getting Things Done by David Allen.  However, there are many great systems out there and, if you really want to, you can even design your own.

Being informed and proactive in your recovery is key. You can continue to learn more and get regular updates by joining my free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email in the resulting box.