Navy SEALs develop world class physical and mental motivation in training. Marathoners push through a physical barrier that could not be broken without motivation. People accomplish tasks every day that many would consider impossible. Have you ever wondered where they get this motivation and what, if anything, you can do to develop it? Studying the brain unveils some interesting answers.
Transmissions in the Brain
Neurons, neurotransmitters and receptors play a vital role in the functioning of the brain. Think of them as emails through a computer. Neurons are the computer, electrically powering the email. Neurotransmitters are responsible for chemical transmission inside the cell body of the neuron. They are the email program that create the message. When you click "send," the message is sent to the receptors.
Breakdown of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are released from the cell body of neurons to the ends where they are stored in vesicles. When an impulse causes those vesicles to burst, the neurotransmitters---which are full of neurologic information---are released and travel across a junction called the synapse to receptor molecules. They may transmit to other nerves, muscles, organs or tissues.
Neurotransmitter Dopamine
Dopamine is responsible for assertiveness, immune functions, mood regulation, movement coordination, pleasure, learning and emotional stability. Proper dopamine levels help motivate people to take action. You can increase your levels by getting proper amounts of rest, limiting alcohol, caffeine and sugar, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Because of its role in affecting coordination and mental readiness, it is partly responsible for Parkinson's disease and attention deficits.
Neurotransmitter Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine works to increase heart rate and metabolic rate, and it is responsible for motivation, alertness and concentration. It works alongside dopamine to improve mood, and it is often used in anti-depressant medications.
Amino Acids
The amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine have calming and exciting effects, respectively. Once consumed through foods, they work to cross the blood-brain barrier. Tryptophan's crossing will cause calming and sleepiness. As tyrosine makes this transition, it is broken down into dopamine and norepinephrine, thus improving alertness, mood, motivation and coordination.
How it Ties Together to Motivate Exercise
Consuming tyrosine through the diet adds to the natural levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals work together to improve motivation to accomplish challenges in life. Because they also improve coordination, metabolic rate, heart rate and alertness, they aid in motivating physical activity.
Where is Tyrosine Found?
According to The Franklin Institute's website, almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds are all good sources of tyrosine. Many protein sources contain this amino acid. It can also be found in fish, wheat and oats.
