We live surrounded by stimuli. Our mobile phones, social networks, notifications, short videos, or the constant need to be entertained have turned silence into something almost strange. Just a few minutes of free time are enough for many people to automatically reach for a screen. Yet, according to neuroimmunologist Antonio Valenzuela, learning to reduce this constant flow of stimuli can be one of the keys to reclaiming attention and enjoying daily life more.
In an interview featured on Mentalidad Seiko’s Instagram, Valenzuela reflects precisely on the relationship between immediate stimuli and our ability to feel satisfaction. And his premise rests on a simple idea, but one that is increasingly relevant: when we train the brain to receive rapid rewards continually, we may end up needing ever more stimuli to experience the same sensation of pleasure.
The problem of constantly seeking stimuli
Dopamine is often linked directly to pleasure and happiness, although its role is much more complex. Among other functions, it participates in brain circuits related to motivation, reward, and the pursuit of certain experiences.
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James Whitaker
I’m James Whitaker, a UK-based journalist focused on emerging trends and everyday stories gaining attention across the country. I cover the topics people start talking about before they fully break into the mainstream. My work aims to stay clear, factual, and closely connected to how news is actually consumed today.