Domain: Overstimulation & Dopamine Saturation 3-5 min read Updated: 2026-01-15

When Relief Turns Brief

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Relief appears,

then shortens.

What felt easing

a moment ago

begins to thin.

This briefness

is not your fault.

It is how

stimulation behaves.

Notice the fade

without reaching

for another spark.

Allow the system

to pass through

the quiet

that follows.

Understand relief decay with DojoWell.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the relief I feel after finishing a task fade so quickly?

Relief has a "decay rate." Once the Threat or Pursuit loop closes, the neurochemical signal that provided the relief naturally dissolves to prepare you for the next environment. If you expect relief to be permanent, you will find yourself constantly chasing the next "spike" to stay ahead of the decay. Recognizing this decay helps you stop the chase and accept the return to baseline neutrality.

How do I stop myself from chasing a new spike when relief fades?

Awareness of the "decay cycle" is key. When you notice the relief fading, acknowledge it as a predictable structural event. Instead of immediately opening a new loop to get that feeling back, practice "staying with the fading." This builds your tolerance for interstimulus space, allowing your nervous system to fully land and integrate the previous achievement before moving to a new pursuit.

When Relief Turns Brief