How I'm Getting Over My Addiction To Cheap Dopamine (vlog)

In today's video I'm sharing how my More Money May dopamine detox/No buy changed my perspective on how I consume, and what I learned. I'm doing another Dopamine Detox in July for my No Buy July Challenge, so let me know you're planning to join me! Instead of focusing on what you're detoxing from, focus more on new habits that feel challenging but fulfilling. This I found is the key to seeing the benefits of NOT having that thing we over-indulge in in our lives, and gives you the chance to see what other fun things you can do instead.
#dopaminedetox #cheapdopamine #nobuy
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[@Christinamychas]

Who’s in for a No Buy July dopamine detox? I’ll be sharing updates and motivation on my Instagram stories too so let’s do it together! xx

[@helenapayne3414]

I’m in! After spending more than I wanted in April, May and June, a no-spend challenge would help me get back in control of my life.

[@kikilaj4767]

Yes please

[@christinastewart6957]

Yesss!

[@hillerycrawford1062]

Definitely no buy July.

[@janemuses3031]

Yes started it although I did replace a couple of things I returned but def no net new clothes, skincare or household things as I already have more than complete wardrobe, months of skincare to get through and everything I need in my household. Yeah now have to work on the replacement which is harder like exercising, writing and reading. I unsubscribed to a bunch of channels that were making me buy new skincare, clothing and household items because that seems to be my trigger. I def need to cut down on Netflix and other drama channel binging but that's next. One detox challenge at a time :) Good to know others are doing it so that's group motivation.

[@ros8986]

Some of us shopping addicts don't actually get a rush after purchasing, for me it is the constant drive to "improve" my life, make needed changes, etc. I have been constantly swapping things. But now I am on a no-buy and just settling in to that what I have is good enough, not perfect, not forever, just good enough for here and now.

[@MissEntity]

I relate to this so much! The constant researching to find the “perfect product” gives my brain something to focus on that feels productive but takes away from activities that would actually improve my life in the long run. Glad to read you’re working through it! Need to do the same for myself!

[@ros8986]

@@MissEntity OMG your comment is sooooo important for me to read at this moment. This is totally something I need to change. One thing that helps me is that everything is an experiment, including a no-buy - I don't have to do it forever, just do it right now for now. And things I am thinking about I just put on my "later" amazon list to see if they ever come up as a real need in my life (minimizing my stuff is emotionally a big need for me (in the same way that acquiring is emotionally a big need for other people).

[@Tanniab09]

I can relate. Your last sentence really sticks with me. I have been telling myself that what I have is good enough and it doesn't bave to be perfect. 😊

[@ros8986]

@@Tanniab09 thank you! it is so excitng when I actually do something useful.

[@hllymchll]

this is me. I don't necessarily BUY a lot so I'm not a shopping addict, but I'm definitely an optimization addict. we are fairly minimalist, but if I do buy anything it's almost never good enough after a couple weeks

[@marybethmcdonnell1623]

I’m innnnn I’m so sick of myself and the endless cycle of Decluttering and minimizing and then I bring more crap in.

[@kimbrolyy]

I've stopped watching KZbin shorts a few days ago. It was never a problem, but I decided I don't need stimulation constantly. So far so good, but we'll see!

[@Amanda-yd2ey]

How do we remove KZbin shorts permanently?! I hate them!

[@martag01]

​@@Amanda-yd2ey THIS! Like is there a way to block them? Or something? I absolutely hate it

[@Iris-gy2mi]

Yes to this!

[@katch2511]

Shorts can be fun when it’s the right content for you. Mine are mostly cat videos or funny babies.

[@olyalya6020]

Studying/Reading/Going to the gym - all of that feels kinda challenging when I start, but it feels so satisfying afterwards. Still learning how to be consistent though.

[@sparklie962]

I recently took stock of my closet and was a bit disappointed to see a load of duplicates and or pieces I wanted but barely ever wear. It's just too much. So as of 2 weeks ago I've moved Insta off my phone home page so it's not as tempting to scroll through it so often, and I've unfollowed / unsubscribed from almost every retailer I was watching. Here on YT I'm prioritizing people who are emphasizing thinking first, buying later or not at all. Basically I'm trying to get back to my pre-2020 shopping practices of only looking if there's a specific piece I actually need. No more just browsing "for fun." I've made a list of things I actually do *need* - for the rest of the year. I'm aiming to stick to that list and even then only if it's a good price-quality rapport, if it fits perfectly and it's really a Wow!

[@zaramichaels3339]

Same. So mad for all the duplicates. Need to minimize things I haven’t even worn! 😩😩😩

[@ros8986]

I have many duplicates because these are items I love to wear. What I don't have are anything that I don't love.

[@blancaaaestela]

What a timely video. I spent some money in June filling in summer gaps in my wardrobe (which were needed), but the dopamine of those purchases has me back on the shopping wagon! I can’t stop browsing and it’s clearly so bad for my mental health. Thanks for the inspiration to do another No Buy this month.

[@Lau3464l]

I’m so guilty of this too… opening the floodgates for shopping and also constantly browsing!! 😅

[@trishredding8009]

Same! I got caught in a cycle of Amazon shopping for the last few months. I finally came to my senses and stopped. I'm going to try to buy nothing but food until September. Wish me luck!

[@megawatt888]

Relapse is so real. Remember this journey isn’t linear You’ve got this!

[@PlaidChick44]

Love seeing other people's workouts. Great way to freshen up our routines or remember things we used to do that need a revisit.😊

[@mansoor3159]

Christina I Absolutely needed this video thank you so so so much for motivating me you are my truly truly inspiration😭😭♥️♥️

[@Christinamychas]

❤❤

[@dtgb8546]

Christina: so impressed with those pull ups! You go girl!!!

[@Heyallai]

Christina, you articulated well the snowball effect of buying something you like and then looking for more items from the same brand or store. It's something I struugle with but never really put it into words before.

[@katrin4163]

This is the video I didn‘t know I needed. Your explanation of „doing hard things“ is really working for me. Thank you so much ❤

[@hillerycrawford1062]

Throw mental illness in with dopamine detox. Its a challenge sometimes to just get a shower. But, to hear the positivity and support here, helps a while lot. Thank you.

[@Eleni_I]

Hang in there 🧡

[@Natasha.7729]

I would love to see a week of workouts! It would be inspiring and encouraging to me as I complete my summer workout program. One habit I would love to get back to is watercolor painting/calligraphy. It's so soothing and pretty, and even just 5 mins is a soul and mental health boost for me.

[@marziasopelsa8204]

wow, perfect timing ❤ this is kind of, wow! I just entered in a similar mood yesterday and just needed to know that it leads to feeling better and, as you said, to actually be and do what I said I could be and do!

[@zuzzzap]

Whem I get out of my habit of reading I catch myself and try to focus on reading every day at least for a half hour. I quickly take back up the habit. But on the flip side - social media very easily distracts me and gets me out of good habits.

[@sandc6364]

same! what works well is: no phone in the bedroom, and you only take your book in bed. This way, no distraction and I actually manage to read.

[@adventureswiththerobin]

I did a whole no buy year in 2023! It was challenging but rewarding. I also unfollowed many channels in May because I was being too influenced to spend money (both of these I documented on my channel). I’m struggling to maintain no buy resolutions now, and am considering another no buy year in 2025. Good luck with July!!

[@jbar234]

You always have such good advice! Thank you Christina ❤

[@cbeghin0514]

Reframing the no buy as a dopamine detox is a nice change in perspective. I have noticed during my no buys I sometimes replace shopping with shopping for things that are not on my list (bottles of wine, croissants, coffees). It comes and goes but the behaviors always come with things like work stress , general fatigue, feeling hormonal and crappy.

[@barbarablanco5910]

Yes, to a week of workouts!

[@diana1833]

Love these more chatty vlogs. And yes, please do a week of workouts! As someone who enjoys working out (although I do it from home) it's always nice to see what my fav creators are doing in the gym. It's both motivation and inspiration!

[@lovingsunshine3515]

I replaced my dopamine rush by borrowing books from the library and bringing in fresh flowers from my garden into our home every week. I love the thrill of searching for books and finding the best stories to read while I’ll get to return it if I don’t like it or when I’m done with it. Bringing in fresh flowers allows me to “decorate” something new without the need for storage or spending money since these are flowers that come back every year and I also save the seeds if they’re annuals. Plus fresh flowers make my home look so lively and inviting 🥰

[@zaramichaels3339]

I love watching your food hauls. You buy such healthy well-rounded foods very similar to what I buy. Also love watching you prepare your meals.

[@unciaciapanca]

More people should do videos like this. How to repleace cheap dopamine ! Found it refreshing since I think that deep down we ALL know we need this. For us and for chindren/teens as well

[@Casscapri]

Love this concept of "cheap dopamine" versus committing ourselves to get long term results genuinely. Thank you for this wonderful content, dear Christina! cannot be happier to watch your videos and get inspiration from you

[@tarski7420]

Great tips, thank you!! And yes would love to see a week of your workouts and/or tips for getting into weight training :)

[@catherinelavery4490]

Same - would love to see/hear about your workout plan and goals!

[@lyuba881]

I really needed this reminder about expensive vs cheap domaine - thanks for posting this and sharing your experience ❤

[@yvetteflores3307]

I love the dopamine videos/info you have been sharing. Would love to see more of this 😊

[@AudreyAdams-Hart]

Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!

[@raymondkatie]

Love this video! Never seen a video of yours until now and I immediately subscribed! I’ve been scrolling a lot more and this was a great reminder to take a detox and focus on the harder things that make me feel better instead of the short term feeling like you explained! 🙌🏼

[@PegT901]

Your content is so interesting and your approach to life is inspiring. Well done! I watch for your videos and learn so much.

[@bruhpellegrino]

Last month I started to play the guitar, even as a violinist i grew up a thought that i would never be able to play the guitar and sing at the same time. And now I'm doing it! It's only a few song but it made me so happy. Going at the gym and pilates as well and I think both of these habits are helping with my anxiety and thrift addiction. Thanks for the video, Christina!

[@kimberlyberlin4999]

What an excellent chat. You bring such good points to the conversation. I'm going through a challenging season and I've been mindlessly scrolling through social media and it can be an hour before I know realize it. This happens several times a day. Using social media as a distraction is a waste of time that could be spent reading, taking a walk, or doing something else more rewarding. I will make a pack to seriously cut that down this month and hopefully forever.

[@tm6408]

I live in western Canada and we don't have bagged milk out here. I grew up in Ontario so seeing you pour milk from a bag was pure nostalgia 😊

[@sharonhansen2935]

We used to have bagged milk in the west. Not sure why that went away.

[@rosena2510]

Yes please, have always wanted to see your training routine and how it has evolved over time.xx

[@silliepixie]

I am moving at the end of this month and the hard thing that I need to do is get rid of stuff. I've been playing your declutter videos while I work and it has been helping me to stay on track. Thank you!

[@helindove2237]

Oh Christina, you are so wise. This is really valuable content! But I'm sorry to say, a few days after Canada Day, my goodness, I thought they would have less plastic packaging there. For example, we (I'm in the EU) have tomatoes and strawberries, kiwis, potatoes, etc. in cardboard boxes or paper bags 🤔 My challenge is to get back to my daily stretching exercises and drink more water.

[@tanyabaldwin636]

Yasssss!! I got rid if Insta in like 2015 but I’ll support you on KZbin 😂❤

[@s.sflower]

Same!!!! I got rid of IG in 2017 and haven't gone back 😊 KZbin is my source of social media lol

[@neza8628]

Great decision. I am off and on insta BUT i do fell much better without it. I do not post there anymore for quite a few years and its funny for me how people on vacation spend so much time to get the perfect picture of their behind. Quite terrible to see in real life😂

[@s.sflower]

@neza8628 yes, I have noticed after Tik Tok, Instagram is the other app people struggle with the most. Just scrolling and scrolling and comparing their lives with everyone.

[@JenniferNaismith]

Thank you so much for this video. Very motivating for me!

[@lindareichertz7148]

I enjoyed seeing your Costco haul. I am always on the lookout for great finds from there. Unfortunately not all Costcos have the same stuff. You are right that it is a project when you get home finding room for everything, etc.

[@wyrdwitch13]

This was super helpful, I really appreciated your deep descriptions of this process. I have been trying and failing to do a low buy all year-I did make some progress the past two months though. I am doing no buy July too! Healthy habit replacements are the key to beneficial changes for sure! Also-I've been loving these chatty vlogs!

[@megawatt888]

You are such a natural vlogger! This video is packed with great points. Thanks for being you!

[@PaperlessPrinxo]

I finally have an explanation of why the more I buy, the more I would buy! Thank you!

[@jennyk.8349]

Yessss! Love your vlogs so much, they’re so well edited (but not fake) and interesting even when you’re just showing us home chores 😊

[@annmariespaulding6926]

Dates are the best for a sweet treat-if you’ve never tried -slice them open lengthwise so you can stick a walnut in the opening -crunchy and added protein 🥰

[@jaimielevesquesteel7695]

You’ve inspired me to start weight training! It’s been the best thing ever for my body and mental health. I’d love to hear more about how you’ve been progressing and more about how you eat-I struggle to get enough fibre and protein 😬

[@kristinagrom2270]

My derivative from my No Buy April was very interesting: I actually realised that I have my basics covered and don’t want to buy “many & cheap” any more. I am really ready for saving up for the quality things it can be one blazer or another item a month, but I want quality choices. It hit me only after that No Buy month, before that my mentality was just the opposite (despite hearing often about “less is more”). 🤷🏼‍♀️🙌🏻

[@louiseclarahess7491]

thanks for being open about this topic and sharing your tips and motivation! I have this with shopping & binge watching too. Luckily I do get off of it again naturally somehow but would love to try doing it as a challenge for a month to see what comes up on the other site if being consistent 🙂

[@justin_sample]

Great video, just found your videos, they’re so relatable.

[@miraearles3372]

For the last few years I've given myself yearly reading challenges, I love to read (and audiobooks count) so it's not crazy hard, but it's so nice to stick to something for an entire year and have a go to activity if I don't know what else to do. And I can feel really proud of myself for making a dent in my tbr list!

[@sarahbee27]

Just wanted to pop back on here after watching it this morning. I’ve been putting off my exercise as usual but decided to do a few basic arm weights and squats after watching this. You explained it well about how those things are harder to motivate yourself to do but they do make you feel better afterwards unlike the scrolling that makes me feel rubbish afterwards. Thank you 😊

[@shianyaguero5972]

This was SO inspiring. I have a huge TikTok problem and it takes me HOURS to get my day started because I’m so distracted. My attention span has gone to crap. I was even struggling to get through this 15 min video 😭 Today I start my cheap dopamine detox! 🤘🏼

[@orangeblossom1712]

I'm so happy I just got back into reading! Pulled out my Kindle and found a few good books, on it now all the time

[@jennybanana2296]

YES to a week of your workouts! Would love that!

[@autumnellingham5712]

It's great to here how your putting the Dopamine Detox into practice, currently doing a no buy so haven't brought the 'Dopamine nation' book (it's not available in my local library) but I've read the sample and can't wait to read and start my journey. Please keep sharing how your getting one. Would love to here how your applying this to style and spending too.

[@anothersatellite2001]

I recently experienced a failure/setback and before watching this video I decided to uninstall Instagram and Reddit to try and stop the comparison/overthinking game. Then I watched this video and it just felt like a sign that I did the right thing. So my hard thing is going to be trying to accomplish the thing I recently failed at! I need to heal my relationship with it and maybe this mindset of doing hard things leading to dopamine is just what I need over restoring to these quick hits. That and keeping up with my running journey because I'm shocked at how already I've improved so much and I enjoy doing it.

[@sarahwallaschek7340]

Omg your curly hair Looks so beautiful on you!! I think it complements you more clean clothing Style!!!

[@debchaffin]

i’ve been thinking about coloring?!!! i might try that this summer

[@louisetilbury3443]

Oh wow. I needed this. Summer events and outings all give me an easy “excuse” to buy. But it needs to stop. Thank you. I’m off to write my alternative list of things to do. Thanks. And seriously, wow in the gym. No gentle work outs there.

[@aniazurek7258]

Your timing is always impeccable. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Xx

[@jjjjk1241]

Thank you so much for this, Christina! I don’t think cheap and expensive dopamine was a new concept to me, but I think I completely forgot about it and have forgotten how to actually provide my own dopamine, as you explained it. This was so helpful!❤

[@fernandaflores1510]

Hi Christina! I'll definitely be joining a no-buy July 🎉 also, I would love a video on your week workouts, perhaps if you could share your high protein snacks/meals of choice that'd also be great, I struggle a lot for new ideas there 😂

[@tracyjohnson8323]

Yes, I am very interested in your workouts for the week and beginner tips would be a great bonus. Love your grocery haul too, looks just like mine.

[@adelarodrigo6788]

Yes weekly Work out routine👍

[@pamelakellow4225]

Would love to see workout content! Also, really loved your hair curly and natural. Ever wear it that way? I thought it was so cute half up! Lastly, I read that book. So good. Would love to hear your thoughts when you have finished it.

[@funkytrunkfashion]

I agree, going to the gym has been the best for my mental health, though I still struggle with it regularly. I really like feeling at least physically strong if I can't always lock down th hatch on my crazy tank... 😅

[@glamdragon]

A WEEK OF WORKOUTS!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@AyH25]

This resonates! More content like this please, to keep us all accountable :)

[@megandelizabethperkinsandc9135]

Thank you! I needed that message today! Inspirational for sure! ❤❤❤

[@shannonrolfes5171]

Your hair is very cute wavy. I swear every time I do a "no buy", an appliance breaks. This month, it was the washing machine. I'm better off doing a low buy every month.

[@RR-mv1vr]

Love the detox! I never feel good about myself after scrolling social media

[@ingrid2134]

Perfect timing!!!

[@rainaw297]

Right? It's like she looked at my Google search history and then based a video off it

[@Christinamychas]

@@rainaw297haha how did I knowwwwwww

[@ireneg.m.9365]

In the second half of the year I want to keep on healthy eating, exercising and resting poperly and I want to start introducing some artsy hobbies in the evening, starting with some piano playing. Thabk you for the motivation 😊😊😊

[@Lau3464l]

Girl you are a POWERHOUSE in the gym!! Those Bulgarian split squats made my jaw drop, and your gym has some really cool unique stuff I’ve never seen before! Also loving the vlog style 😊 I did a no-spend from October through April of this past year and it was super fulfilling, my spending has gotten a bit out of control the last few months so I need to reign it in, but I’m going to try to do no spend for at least the rest of July and August as well 😊

[@ingridmueller1035]

A challenging habit I need to get back to is rebounding on our rebounder. Rebounded every second day during 2020 and 2021, but need to get back to it as it is so good for bone health. Thank you for your video!😊

[@marvawiebe4364]

I'm happy to see that you eat so well. I eat many of the same foods. Nutritious food is so key to healthy cells, microbiome, DNA, immunity, etc. Also that you work out consistently. Keep that up and you will live long and well! I read Outlive last winter. Great book!

[@taniaamiss]

A week of workouts would be great, and some advice from your trainer as well ❤

[@erikaquiceno3852]

Thank you for keeping it real

[@dianaholbrook]

Really enjoyed this! My dopamine hit while dusting.😉 I can really relate to what you are saying. I too did errands today with no makeup. Sometimes you just have to get it done and forget the makeup👍🏻

[@Eleni_I]

It’s blown my mind that milk comes in bags in Canada!

[@lisacooney4458]

I loved this video. Very thought provoking. Thank you for your vulnerability!

[@girlonabike1]

I’ve been wanting to start lifting for so long, but I keep letting my thoughts stop me. Would love to hear rom you and your coach! Thanks for another great video!

[@dianecyment1715]

I don't have any social media accounts such as Instagram or Facebook. Never did. I think my problem is that I need to detox from KZbin influencers and my retail store accounts. I hear your words loud and clear and it is about time I take action. I am in for a no buy July and August. I want to start reading more novels and figuring out other meaningful things I can get involved with. Thanks for your inspiration.

[@furlilicious]

Thank you so much for this video, so timely for me! ❤

[@talulahcohen2531]

I love your vlogs ❤

[@aggpvp]

Really enjoyed this vlog Christina :)

[@juliehanson1175]

Very valuable advice - and a good reminder to get back to the gym too.

[@greatful1512]

I really needed this kind of motivation. I've just started my maternity leave, so there's no income for me for the next like year... I really need to stop being tempted to spend money on "short dopamine" stuff

[@thegeekinthepurpl]

Oh yay!!! And constantly scraping off hard pan might mean it’s easy to pan :)

[@marsc7897]

Just deleted the Amazon app from my phone! Thank you I needed this.

[@robertascazzari4016]

Yes to the work out week and if you want to share some go to smoothie, it would be nice (I struggle with my fruit/veggie intake so some new ideas are more than welcome). As an ADHEDer I can relate to how is difficult to switch for longer term dopamine, but seeing that I'm not the only one is somehow refreshing😅 I'll try to work out more often, and start with some audiobook so I can start reading again with some extra baby steps in the beginning

[@SB-xl8lp]

I don't shop except for food and clothes when I need them. My "problem❤" is kids and grandkids who love to give me stuff. So I'm going to start a travel/outing fund with each, whatever they add, I'll match. Then we can make memories and not add to my already large assortment of birthday and Christmas trinkets.

[@marziasopelsa8204]

p.s. dry apricots make a delicious after dinner treat, too (^^♪

[@anabezavala]

Wow I am impressed about your pull ups, I always wanted to do one but feel not strong enough. Any tips to get to your level? Loved all the tips great video

[@bbellebe]

Great vlog! ❤️ I have a few ideas: learn to cook healthy so I don't grab for sugar all the time, learn a new make-up (having fun painting your own face with cosmetics 💄🤡🤣) aaaand... quite a few more... But decluttering my flat and reorganizing things has been so goood for my brain recently 😍

[@saraht1367]

Would love to see a week of workouts.

[@ronnie-lynn]

Milk does not come in bags here in Alberta. I always never understood why. Also I love those wraps and that wild rice! Yum! 🤤 love me a Costco haul! ❤ will also eat cottage cheese with everything.

[@TitaMomo2020]

Topic of video starts at 3:46

[@Jessie73944]

This was so inspiring!

[@Kaitaritz2013]

Thanks for the inspiration!