What it means to love and stay motivated
How do our environments and brain chemicals motivate us?
We all know that feeling when we’re at our peak. When we’ve spent every minute and second of the day studying or training to perfect that one assignment or tournament. We also know what it’s like to be at our lowest points. When we’ve done everything we can, but nothing works out.
We try to get back in shape, but what once motivated us slowly becomes a burden. Now we live every day trying to reset our emotions. Trying to find the right motivation. Trying and trying, until it works out again. Until there’s passion in what we once loved to perfect.
How does our brain motivate us?
When we love someone, our brain releases a chemical known as dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone that increases our happiness. But love isn’t subjective to people. For athletes, researchers, doctors, and many more professionals, even students, they do what they do for the love of their profession or programs of study.
Every time a student or athlete succeeds in a task that takes effort and time, they are hit by instant feelings of happiness and relief. This is the work of our brain releasing dopamine and endorphins to increase joy and alleviate stress and tension.
Serotonin is another chemical that, although produced mainly in the gut, the brain releases to regulate emotions. It keeps us calm, happier, and more focused. Which is why when we feel demotivated, unfocused, and at a loss for why we aren’t as passionate as before, it may be our brain warning us. When the brain is depleted of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, our love, happiness, calmness, memory, and focus decrease as well.
During these moments, it’s important to consider a diet change by eating healthier or exercising more. Exploring new hobbies is also a great way to relieve your stress and tension. From UTM Moves, UTM Baking Club, UTM Film Club, and many more student groups, you have the opportunity to talk to new people and learn a new skill, giving your body and mind a much deserved break.
How can the ways we live affect our motivation?
Sometimes it’s the words we start or end our days with. For some of us, it’s easy to tell our friends “You can do this,” but to believe in it ourselves can take all the energy we have. Building a morning or night routine where you affirm yourself with positive thoughts will enhance social and personal well-being. It’s not useless effort. It may take a long time to feel its worth, but it can alleviate discouragement and overtime incline the release of “feel good” chemicals.
Other times, it’s not us, but our environments. Abusive households, bad friendships and terrible coaches or professors are reasons we may lose our passion and love. Most of the time, it’s not in our control or ability to leave these situations. But that doesn’t mean we still can’t motivate ourselves to keep fighting. It’s all about finding the smallest pieces of treasure and holding them close to our hearts to heal and move forward with a stronger and more positive mindset. There will come a time when you’ll be able to leave, and by then, you’ll be grateful to yourself for never giving up and always seeking happiness even in the toughest of times.
Losing motivation is natural. It’s the time we need to take a step back and reevaluate what’s important to us and what kept us going in the first place. You never truly lose passion or love for something; it just takes a little more time to reignite it all again.
