There’s a solution.
Exercise has a bi-directional relationship with lack of purpose in life. Let me explain...
People with a greater sense of purpose in life may be more likely to engage in physical activity.
At the same time, physical activity can contribute to a sense of purpose in life.
The present research tests these hypotheses using across-lagged panel model in a nationally representative, longitudinal panel of American adults (N=14,159, Mage = 68).
An increase in sense of purpose in life was associated with higher physical activity four years later, above & beyond past activity levels.
Physical activity was positively associated with future levels of sense of purpose in life, controlling for prior levels of purpose in life (Yemiscigil et al., 2021).
To put it simple, physical activity can help you feel a purpose in life again.
Not only that, physical activity can bring you many other benefits – better physical health, better mental health, increased confidence, and more.
But another problem may appear.
You may have zero motivation to exercise.
The reason for this can be low dopamine receptor density.
Researchers believe that the lack of motivation to move stems primarily from malleable reductions in the dopamine D2-type (D2R) dopamine binding receptors in the striatum of the basal ganglia (Friend et al., 2017).
There are many ways to increase your dopamine receptors.
Did you know caffeine is one of them?
Caffeine is just one of many ways to increase your dopamine receptors.
I will be releasing more ways to do it in my newsletter.
