The Thrill of the Chase (and Why We Keep Scrolling, Snacking, and Searching)

Confession time… I love a good chase. Whether it’s scrolling through pug videos, hunting for the perfect place to stay on holiday, or watching The Chase on TV, will they win? Will I know the answers? I’m hooked. And I know I’m not alone.

It’s not that I want to lose time; it’s that my brain is chasing those little bursts of dopamine.

Dopamine is our brain’s “feel-good” messenger. It’s what helps us feel motivated, curious, and excited about life. Without it, we wouldn’t get out of bed, try new things, or even look forward to that first morning coffee. We need it, it’s part of being human.

But here’s the thing: the brain doesn’t really care where dopamine comes from. It just notices, “Oh, this feels good, let’s do it again.” That’s why habits like scrolling, snacking, or checking our phones sneak in so easily. They’re quick and unpredictable ways to get that dopamine hit, and the unpredictability makes them even more addictive.

HAVE AN APPLE

Think about the fridge. Have you ever opened it when you weren’t even hungry? My kids used to do that all the time. They’d sigh, “There’s nothing to eat.” I’d suggest, “Have an apple,” but that’s not what they wanted. They weren’t hungry for food; they were hungry for something else: comfort, distraction, or just a way to feel different.

And it’s not just food or phones. I can spend hours researching accommodation when planning a trip. Clicking through photo after photo, page after page, am I really looking for “the one,” or am I hooked on the tiny dopamine hit I get every time I think I’ve found the perfect place?

Sometimes it’s less about the booking and more about the chase.

That’s how we can lose sight of ourselves. What starts as a little “feel-good” moment can turn into hours lost in videos, moments standing at the fridge again, or scrolling endlessly for the perfect hotel.

It’s not a weakness; it’s the way our brain is wired.

The good news?

Once we understand this, we can pause and ask: “What am I really looking for?”

Because sometimes, what we truly need isn’t another scroll, snack, or search. It might be connection, rest, fresh air, or simply a moment to breathe.

✨ The takeaway? Dopamine isn’t the enemy; it’s a gift. However, we can choose healthier, more meaningful ways to spark it.

Next time you find yourself on autopilot, pause and ask:

What do I really need right now?

Maybe you're tired, bored, or trying to avoid something?

Remember, you will get the dopamine hit when you take action to do something more meaningful, or necessary, even paying that invoice you've been avoiding.

That small question might just bring you back to yourself.

Share something with me, about your wee habits

Love love C xx