I remember an old Star Trek: The Next Generation episode about a game that was taking over the Enterprise. It involved putting on a special eyeglasses device so you could manipulate the game with your mind. The goal was to direct an object toward and into a hole. When you were successful the device sent a dopamine shot your way. Naturally, everyone wanted that shot. The creators of this game wanted everyone so engrossed in the game that they could take over the ship. Naturally, they were caught in the end but it was a close thing. But we all strive for that dopamine shot now. I call it a starry warm feeling.
When you’re playing a little game on your phone, doesn’t it thrill you just a little when you get that confetti? When the little animal mascot jumps up and down and cheers for you? That keeps you playing. You’re getting that starry warm feeling and you just click the button for the next level.
I try to achieve that feeling when I exercise. Some call it a runner’s high. It’s like that shot of dopamine that you get from the game, but this one can do a lot more for your healthy aging. It’s hard to do, though, if you’re not a fan of exercise to start with – like me. Add to that, we lose our some of our ability to produce that dopamine as we get older.
You’ve noticed it – you procrastinate when it’s time to exercise. You’re all changed into your workout clothes, but you’re not feeling it. You pick up your phone and open your email – just to see if there’s anything you need to take care of.
So how do we combat that double whammy and actually do the workout? First, try to find an activity that you can tolerate. I’m not going to say like, because we all know the answer to that. If you like to dance, find a dance class at your level or just start an energetic playlist and get moving to the beat. You know that we had the best music, so play it and dance.
If you and your friends like to walk, get together and do a brisk walk. Or put on your headphones and find a good trail to hike. (But keep an ear out for sounds around you. Some cyclists are not polite…)
And if you still aren’t feeling it, give it a few minutes before you call it quits. You’ll probably get into it. You may get that starry warm feeling. But even if you don’t you’re doing some good for yourself.
