top of page

The Neuroscience of Motivation: Understanding How Your Brain Works to Get You Going

Connie Christine

Updated: Jul 10, 2023

To simplify the nerdy brain stuff that is Neuroscience (study of the Nervous System), here is an accessible version of the explanation of neuroscience when it comes to motivation. Let's briefly talk about Neuropsychology (how our brains and nervous systems affect our daily life) and how it helps explain the science behind motivation.


Lets get into it!


Our brains have a reward system that is responsible for motivating us to do certain things, like getting out of bed in the morning. The reward system is made up of several parts, including the prefrontal cortex, the striatum, and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). When we do something that our brain considers rewarding, like eating a delicious meal or accomplishing a task, the VTA releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that signals pleasure and reinforces the behavior that led to the reward. This reinforces the idea that we should repeat the behavior in the future.


Similarly, when we set a goal or have a reason to get up in the morning, our brain anticipates the reward associated with achieving that goal or completing that task, and releases dopamine accordingly. This can help motivate us to get up and start our day.

So having a reason or goal in the morning can activate our brain's reward system and motivate us to get out of bed and start our day.


Understanding how our brains and nervous systems affect our motivation can help us take charge of our lives and accomplish our goals. By identifying what rewards our brains respond to, we can create positive habits and reinforce behaviors that help us achieve what we want. For example, if we want to exercise more, we can create a sense of reward by listening to our favorite music while working out or rewarding ourselves with a healthy snack afterward. By doing so, we can create a positive feedback loop that motivates us to continue exercising regularly.


So, by understanding the science behind motivation, we can empower ourselves to lead more fulfilling and productive lives. So the next time you struggle to get out of bed in the morning or feel demotivated to work on a task, remember that your brain's reward system is at play, and that you can leverage this knowledge to your advantage.


Recent Posts

See All

Donation-Based Yoga Classes

In light of everything our community has been through recently, I’ve been reflecting on how we can come together to heal and support one...

Комментарии


Mindfully Yogi ©2020

bottom of page