When we indulge in activities we like, including work unless we hate every minute of it, our bodies release chemicals (neurotransmitters) known as ‘happy-hormones’. Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins are the four primary happy hormones.
Who would have thought that these happy hormones are highly addictive? Believe it or not, they are. We become addicted to their effects – that feeling of happiness, contentment, satisfaction, and a burning desire to proceed until exhaustion knocks us out. And naturally, we develop an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder – that feeling that time is running out for those activity/activities, and that more effort is needed to achieve our goals concerning them.
Addiction to activities
A hobby becomes an addiction when it dominates our life to the point we are sacrificing our heath, well-being, safety, and relationships.
Five signs of behavioral addiction
According to www.ashwoodrecovery.com the five signs of behavioral addiction are:
- You experience withdrawal symptoms (including mood changes, anxiety and depression) when circumstances prevent you from practising your hobby;
- You lie to others about how you spend your time;
- You react more strongly to your hobby than most other people do;
- You’ve tried to quit or slow down without success;
- Your loved ones have expressed concern.
A personal confession
Only guilt – because I am neglecting people – drives me from one (addictive) activity to the other. (Have I mentioned that I am even addicted to my work – recording financial transactions, sorting them into accounts, organising them into statements, and so forth. My sense for order is reflected in my work!)
Currently I am indulging in the genealogical records of my maiden family – the descendants of one Jacob Coetzer who arrived in South Africa in 1709. The more archived records I check, the more Coetzers and Coetsers I find. Connecting them to an existing branch is not always easy, as missing links flicker like lights on a Christmas tree. The more I comfort myself with the knowledge that another addictive hobby will soon pull me into its magnetic sphere, the more eager I am to get the Coetzer/Coetser family register up to date. In the process I neglect the living people I love and like!
What to do when we are addicted to a hobby?
For 2018 I wish myself and all fellow-addicts the best of self-control. May those who are living with activity-addicts get tons of patience and tolerance!
Until next week...err... time, | CallOuts: |