The Adventure Gene

The Adventure Gene

GENERAL, INFORMATION
Have you heard of DRD4-7R? Probably not. It is better known as the adventure gene or the wanderlust gene. DRD4 is a receptor that controls the dopamine levels in our brain. Dopamine is a chemical that is released when we experience something that we enjoy, which is what gives us the feeling of reward or pleasure. For some people, dopamine can be released from something as easy as enjoying their favourite food or just enjoying a sunny day. However, some people have lower sensitivities to dopamine, which means it takes more for them to feel reward or pleasure. Extreme sports athletes come to mind when I think of lower sensitivity to dopamine levels. These are the athletes who are chasing 100-foot waves, skiing down near-vertical rock faces and flying their…
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[#52 Lesson] Do Things That Make You Feel Alive

[#52 Lesson] Do Things That Make You Feel Alive

LESSON
This life lesson relates to my previous blog #52 Fire a Military Grade Rifle. The reason this one made it on my bucket list was because I grew up around guns and always thought it would be amazing to fire a serious military grade rifle. Even people who have never fired a gun before dream of the day they get to feel their power. Guns are exciting and most peoples’ faces light up when they get to shoot ones such as the M4 or M249 SAW. The lesson I learned was simple. Shooting those guns made me feel alive… and that felt awesome. Life is busy and stressful, and if you’re not careful, it all begins to build up. That’s why things like firing guns or other activities that make…
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