Dopamine Resistance

DOPAMINE RESISTANCE “Meh,” she says with a sigh.

Sound familiar? Many people are losing interest in the things that used to bring pleasure or

notice that it takes more use to have the same effect. Ask yourself, has the glass of wine at the end of the day turned into two? Has one Netflix show turned into a whole evening lost to trance? How often do you find yourself mindlessly eating junk food only to find the entire package devoured? There’s a good reason why this is happening. Please have hope; it’s not too late.

Dopamine is the “pleasure chemical” in the brain. We experience the effects of dopamine when we eat refined sugars, refined flour, and processed foods. It is also released with consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and during sexual activity. Moreover, dopamine is released when we watch TV, work on a computer, check our phones or any back-lit device, scroll through social media, play video games, gamble, and shop. Often when our bodies are repeatedly exposed to these chemicals, we build tolerance. This means that the body becomes resistant to these substances, causing us to need more, and levels increase significantly as their pathways get overwhelmed and backed up. It’s similar to tuning out a nagging spouse who, in turn, only yells louder. Over time, the affected individual becomes used to the yelling, “dopamine resistant,” and starts feeling irritable, struggling with focus and short-term memory, and, ultimately, becomes more compulsive, frequently turning to other addictive behaviors or substances. All of this stems from a deep sense of unhappiness, often verging on panic since what previously offered relief is no longer working.

It gets worse. Dopamine has an inverse relationship to another important neurochemical called serotonin. The higher the serum levels of dopamine become, the more the serum levels of serotonin fall. Serotonin is our “relax and be content” neurotransmitter. So, this suffering, irritable, scattered-feeling person is now depressed and anxious. To make matters even worse, serotonin is converted into melatonin, an essential hormone that assists in restorative sleep. With inadequate levels of serotonin, melatonin levels fall, and sleep suffers. This continues to destabilize physical and mental well-being and is a significant factor in the development of metabolic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cancer and mental illness. Sound familiar? So how do we combat this epidemic of the modern age? The first step involves

awakening to our dysfunctional patterns. How do you seek relief from the daily grind? Which habits truly serve your highest good and which ones are doing you harm? Are you willing to try eating clean? How about setting boundaries around screen time for yourself and your family? Where is there space to integrate time outside in nature? When was the last time you enjoyed a creative activity like drawing, painting, dancing, or journaling without being interrupted by your phone? You may notice that it could require scheduling a vacation or a retreat where there is both time and space to explore sitting with your thoughts and emotions. These practices have great value in resetting your body’s chemistry and nervous system. When we consciously choose to disconnect from our electronics and loosen our grip on our vices, we reclaim our power. We start to remember who we really are and what matters most. We remember our dreams and aspirations. We also start to FEEL the pain of what’s unfinished and the wounds that need healing. This process can take time and may require professional support. There are tools that assist in processing intense emotions and creating space—breath work, EFT (tapping), mindfulness and meditation can help tremendously. Please ask for help if you’re suffering and want to make changes. Your feelings and needs matter. You matter. And help is closer than you think.

Jenny Opdycke, PA-C has been practicing medicine for more than 16 years. Her specialties include holistic wellness, anxiety/depression, trauma recovery and intuitive, low carb eating strategies that promote self-awareness and healing. She loves spending time with her twin girls, friends, and fur babies. More info at www.integratedhealthmatters.com.

Check this, Save that: FINANCIAL CENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

THE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNTS What’s the one financial account no business, even sole proprietorships, can do without? A business checking account. It’s the primary tool for making deposits and paying bills. It’s important because getting the right account can directly benefit your bottom line. Here’s what you need to know to make a smart choice for business checking. CHECK OFF THESE BENEFITS Even if you’re a business of one, a business checking account is imperative. By keeping your business and personal transactions separate, you’ll:

- save time on bookkeeping - make tax preparation simpler and more accurate - be able to easily calculate profit In addition, by opening a business checking account, you’ll build a business banking relationship. When the time comes for getting a business loan, you’ll be glad to have an established connection with a credit union or bank. Above a certain amount, many business checking accounts pay interest. With a Consumers business checking account, for instance, you start earning interest on daily balances over $10,000. RESEARCH THE FEES For any business checking account you’re considering, read the fine print and compare account services and requirements with your business operations. An introductory offer might sound good until you delve into the details. For example, “free” business checking might turn into “fee” checking if you don’t maintain a minimum balance or exceed certain transaction limits.

1.25 % APY 1 Business Money Market

UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS SAVINGS OPTIONS Smart business owners know that one of the best ways to weather the ups and downs of business cycles is to have money set aside in a business savings account. A cash cushion can also protect your business when unexpected expenses come up. Here are three savings options that can help you better manage expenses and earn interest on your hard-earned money. BUSINESS SAVINGS ACCOUNTS The easiest option is a business savings account. It works just like a personal savings account except it’s for your business. At Consumers, business savings earn interest on balances over $50. Our business saving accounts work just like personal savings accounts and they offer: - unlimited deposits and withdrawals - 24/7 online access to your account A business savings account is an ideal place to park funds you need easy access to. Many businesses use them to cover unexpected expenses & save for taxes while earning interest. BUSINESS CDS Business CDs (certificates of deposit) are another financial saving tool. CDs are the place to save money you don’t need to use for at least six months. During the CD’s term, you can’t access your money without incurring fees, but you can earn higher interest rates than with business saving accounts. Typically, the longer the term, the better the interest rate. Consumers’ CD terms range from six months to five years with opening deposits as low as $1,000.

Let us review two months of your business checking account statements to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Dare to Compare

$200 * If we CAN’T save you money, we’ll pay you: If we CAN save you money and you switch to Consumers, we’ll pay you: $200 **

Offers only valid for business accounts using comparable services offered by Consumers Credit Union. *Businesses showing no cost savings will be paid $200 upon completion of statement analysis. **To qualify for $200, businesses showing a cost savings will need to establish a new business checking account with Consumers Credit Union. $200 will be credited to the Consumers account after $1,500 or more monthly ACH is received in the new checking account. New accounts must stay open and active for six months and receive eStatements. Businesses who show a savings but do not switch to Consumers will not receive $200. Federally insured by NCUA.

MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS Some business owners opt to deposit funds in money market accounts. Money market accounts typically pay higher interest than business saving accounts. They also have higher minimum deposits. Money market accounts have three key differences from business saving accounts. First, money market accounts are considered an investment. Funds you deposit are used by your financial institution to invest in stable, short-term securities. Second, the interest rate is variable; as your money market balance goes up, so does your rate of return. Third, to earn the higher interest offered by a money market account, you have to meet minimum deposit requirements. At Consumers, business money market accounts earn interest on daily balances over $2,500. Some financial institutions limit the number of transactions allowed each month for business money market accounts. At Consumers, you get unlimited deposits and withdrawals. (What’s more, all deposits at Consumers are NCUA insured up to $250,000.) CHOOSE ONE OR ALL Your business checking and savings plan can utilize a checking account and all three savings tools if you want. The great part is that it’s up to you. If you have any questions, please contact me at the info below. In addition to helping you with business checking or savings accounts, I can assist you with setting up a business credit card, as well as financing for the projects that will help your business grow. Learn more at ConsumersCU.org.

Darci Robinson

Business Development Manager III 7200 Elm Valley Kalamazoo, MI, 49009 p: 269.488.1800 darci.robinson@consumerscu.org ConsumersCU.org/Darci