Bitesize Biohack: Dopamine, Focus & Flow - How to Feel and Perform At Your Best

In this powerful conversation, Angela is joined by psychologist and speaker TJ Power for a deep dive into the hidden drivers of mental well-being and high performance—your brain chemicals. From dopamine to serotonin, oxytocin to endorphins, TJ unpacks how these natural neurotransmitters shape your focus, energy, mood, and motivation—and more importantly, how to harness them for better mental clarity and productivity.

 

They explore practical, science-backed strategies to help you reset your brain and thrive in a world full of distractions. You’ll discover how to boost dopamine naturally (without the crash), why your morning routine is more powerful than you think, how to stay in flow longer, and what it really takes to beat burnout. If you’re feeling foggy, overstimulated, or just not like yourself lately—this episode is your brain’s wake-up call.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Flow State Foundations: You need at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted focus to enter a true flow state. Distractions like your phone can easily break this.
• Broad vs. Narrow Attention: Breaks should involve "broad attention" activities like walking or talking, not phones or sugar, to help the brain reset.
• Brain Chemicals 101: Dopamine drives motivation, oxytocin supports connection, serotonin regulates mood and energy, and endorphins help reduce stress.
• Boost Without the Crash: Cold exposure can naturally boost dopamine. Heat (like saunas) helps increase endorphins and support recovery.
• Dopamine Overload: Constant stimulation (social media, sugar, alcohol) overstimulates dopamine pathways, leading to a low, flat mood.
• Morning Reset: The best fix for low dopamine and motivation? Change how you start your day—simple shifts can improve your mental health dramatically.

 

Timestamps and Key Topics

00:00 - How to get into flow 

01:45 - 60–75 mins max focus

02:32 - Dopamine crash after rewards 

03:01 - Broad attention during breaks 

03:44 - Functions of 4 brain chemicals 

04:35 - Cold vs heat effect on brain 

05:41 - Endorphins and stress relief 

06:57 - Sauna helps flow recovery 

08:18 - Behaviour affects brain chemistry 

08:49 - Overstimulation breaks dopamine 

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