what are some DO NOTs for dopamine (such as dopamine stacking)

Dopamine stacking refers to the combination of multiple stimuli or actions that elevate dopamine levels, which can lead to a significant drop in dopamine below baseline after the peak. This can affect motivation and overall mental state. Here are the key points regarding dopamine stacking and its potential pitfalls outlined by Andrew Huberman:

1. Avoid Continuous Stacking: Frequently combining intense workouts with high-dose caffeine, loud music, or other intense stimuli can lead to a high increase followed by a significant decline in dopamine levels, affecting mood and motivation negatively after the peak.

2. Monitor After-effects: It's crucial to observe how one feels hours or even days after such dopamine increases. If negative feelings or lack of motivation occur, it is advisable to reduce the frequency or intensity of these stacked activities.

3. Intermittent Use: Occasionally incorporating these stimuli can be beneficial for achieving certain goals like improved exercise performance or enhanced focus, but these should not be constant practices to prevent dependency and dopamine baseline reduction.

4. Strategic Deployment: Use potent motivators like intense music or motivational cues sparingly. Overuse can reduce their effectiveness over time.

5. Understand the Residual Effects: Recognizing that the feeling of a 'low' after a dopamine peak will naturally resolve over time without needing to seek further dopamine boosting activities is vital to maintain a healthy dopamine regulation.

Dr. Huberman recommends careful and minimal stacking of these motivators and being aware and watchful of how one feels post-stack to manage dopamine effectively and prevent potential negative outcomes 1 2 3.