How to Do a Dopamine Fast

Cutting out distractions to find meaning and happiness in everyday things

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People ask how I’ve been so productive during shelter-in-place. My secret: the dopamine fast.

Dopamine fasting is a lifestyle trend popular in Silicon Valley which involves cutting yourself off from almost all stimulation for 24 hours. You abstain from actions associated with hits of dopamine, aka the feel-good neurotransmitter.

You can’t eat or drink anything apart from water, or use the internet, your phone, your computer or TV (or any other screens or technology) during that time. You also can’t listen to music or radio, or have sex.

Now I’m not suggesting you give up life’s greatest pleasures. But the pandemic is a good opportunity to reassess what’s really important. What gives our lives true meaning vs. what’s ephemeral or fleeting.

The idea is to reset the dopamine receptors back to where you can find meaning and happiness in ordinary, everyday things. Free from stimulation, you allow yourself to focus on the things that really matter: yourself, your thoughts, and your relationships.