Think Thursday: Behaviorceuticals-How Actions Help Change Your Brain
Introduction
- Welcome to Think Thursday on the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast.
- Focus: Using neuroscience and mindset to understand behavior and create change.
- Preview of today’s topic: Behaviorceuticals—how behaviors act as medicine for the brain.
Segment 1: The Power of Action vs. Inertia
- Discusses a powerful quote from Elizabeth Benton (Chasing Cupcakes):
- "Action is the antidote to inertia. It’s not just thinking; it’s doing that drives results."
- Importance of shifting from "sensing" the problem to actively solving it.
- Connection to mindful drinking: Are you practicing drinking less or only thinking about it?
Segment 2: Introduction to Behaviorceuticals
- Definition: Behaviors that act like medicine for the brain, improving its health and function.
- Neuroscience underpinning: Engaging in new, challenging, or rewarding activities reshapes the brain (neuroplasticity).
- Benefits for habit change:
- Creates positive emotional momentum.
- Helps develop healthier alternatives to drinking.
Segment 3: Learning from Driving Rats
- Highlight of a quirky neuroscience study from the University of Richmond:
- Rats trained to drive tiny cars for food rewards (Froot Loops!).
- Results: Reduced stress and increased dopamine (feel-good chemical).
- Key takeaway: Learning new skills reduces stress and builds resilience.
Segment 4: Applications to Mindful Drinking
- How to use behaviorceuticals to reduce drinking:
- Replace drinking habits with activities that stimulate and reward the brain.
- Suggestions: Learn a new skill, rekindle an old hobby, or try something unfamiliar.
- Emphasis on progress over perfection.
Segment 5: The Role of Mindfulness
- Discusses how engaging in purposeful activities keeps you present, reducing mindless behaviors like drinking.
- Example: You can’t autopilot through driving a tiny car—or mastering a new habit.
Conclusion and Weekly Challenge
- Challenge: Identify one action to take this week that could serve as a “behaviorceutical.”
- Suggestions: Trying something creative, solving a puzzle, or engaging in physical activity.
- Reminder: Action rewires the brain, creating lasting change.
- Closing thought: Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Subscribe to the Alcohol Minimalist Podcast for more insights on mindful drinking.
- Join our Facebook group for additional support: Alcohol Minimalists: Change Your Alcohol Habits.
- Explore resources and courses at mollywatts.com.
