Do you consider yourself to have an addictive personality? That isn’t necessarily a bad thing! People with addictive personalities can positively channel those traits into being great leaders, business owners, high achievers, and excellent athletes. 

Keep reading to learn how to channel this energy positively… and how matcha can help!

What is an addictive personality?

While you’ve likely heard the term addictive personality, it’s not actually a diagnosable condition, and there isn’t one specific trait that defines what it means to have an addictive personality.

Addiction, on the other hand, is a well-defined disease that affects the brain and results in a compulsive need for substances or to commit certain behaviors despite adverse consequences. Addictions generally fall into two categories- addiction to certain behaviors or addiction to certain substances. A substance addiction involves the inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medicine. A behavior addiction might look like being addicted to shopping, pornography, video games, food, etc.

Common traits associated with having an addictive personality often include:

-   Thrill-seeking

-   Impulsivity

-   Family history of addiction

-   Difficult time regulating emotions

-   Impatience

-   Adventurous

By definition, addiction means being unable to control yourself with certain behaviors or substances despite negative or harmful consequences.

However, we often talk about healthy addictions, which, when appropriately managed, can benefit both mental and physical health. Some examples of healthy addictions are exercise and fitness, creative outlets, reading, meditation, learning, journaling, self-care, and so on.   

If you believe you have an addictive personality, you might be wondering how you can turn that energy into something positive that can benefit your health. Keep reading to find out!

The role of matcha in addictive behavior 

Matcha is a type of high-quality green tea that is specially grown and then finely ground into a powder. It is traditionally prepared with hot water and whisked to form a vibrant, frothy, and uniquely flavored green tea. Unlike regular green tea, where the tea leaves are discarded, you consume the entire tea leaf when drinking matcha, giving it enormous health benefits. 

Matcha has high levels of antioxidants and nutrients and produces a calming effect due to the combination of caffeine and l-theanine. One of the antioxidants matcha green tea is particularly rich in is catechins, which can help fight damage caused by free radicals. EGCG, a specific catechin green tea is particularly high in, is known for its potent health benefits and ability to prevent cell damage.

L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation can counteract the negative effects of caffeine, resulting in a calm yet alert state. L-theanine can also enhance cognitive function and improve concertation and focus. This makes matcha an ideal choice for meditation, working, studying, or any other task that requires sustained attention. Due to its relaxing nature, l-theanine can help decrease stress levels, which may make it easier to stick with healthy and positive behaviors and habits. 

Matcha can help support the development and maintenance of positive habits by providing sustained energy, enhancing focus, reducing cravings, and promoting mindfulness. 

5 ways to channel energy into positive habits: 

1) Exercise 

Creating strong habits with activities like running, yoga, or weight lifting can reduce the risk of disease, improve cardiovascular health, improve sleep, and boost mood. Exercise releases the feel-good chemicals dopamine and endorphins, which can keep us motivated to continue exercising and brings on a positive rush- often described as a runner or exercise “high”. Channeling energy into exercise can be an effective way to harness the drive and focus often associated with addictive personalities.      

And did you know that matcha makes for an excellent pre-workout?  Matcha can give you an energy boost without the adverse effects of a high dose of caffeine (often found in energy drinks or pre-workout powders). EGCG found in matcha can also reportedly increase the total energy available for muscles during exercise, while polyphenols can improve overall endurance. If you’re looking to build an exercise habit, matcha is a great choice to help you get out the door.

2) Creative outlets

Investing time in hobbies like painting, gardening, writing, or music can be a wonderful way to channel your time and energy. Creating art can be a useful way to process and express emotions. This can help calm anxiety, reduce stress, and redirect focus to healthier habits and experiences.

L-theanine, known as the relaxing amino acid, has been shown to stimulate alpha brainwaves, which are associated with creativity, daydreaming, and alertness. Studies show that feeling relaxed and calm can promote creativity. In fact, brain scans show that creativity happens when the mind is restful, not when it’s stressed or actively working on something else.

3) Mindfulness and meditation

Meditation and mindfulness can help you feel  relaxed and calm. Research shows that mindfulness and meditation may also help stop bad habits. Creating a strong meditation habit can help reduce depression and anxiety, enhance self-awareness, boost physical health, and lower stress.

Research has shown that meditation has MANY benefits and is a great habit to spend energy on, but it can also be very hard! Slowing your mind and calming racing thoughts can be a challenge. Luckily, matcha can help! Matcha gives you a natural sense of focus as well as improves overall mood and allows you to concentrate for longer periods of time. Matcha has a close relationship with meditation and has been used by Buddhist monks dating all the way back to the 9th century.   

4) Learning

Channeling your addictive personality to be a lifelong learner can lead to personal growth, improved mental health, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Learning new skills and ideas stimulates the brain and promotes neuroplasticity, which can enhance cognitive function and memory and help prevent or delay cognitive decline. Turning learning and education into a healthy addiction can be a fulfilling and beneficial way to channel your energy. Try setting learning goals and exploring diverse subjects, which can enrich your mind, enhance your skills, and improve your overall well-being. 

Matcha is a great choice for lifelong learners as it can benefit brain health in a number of ways. Matcha has been shown to improve attention, boost focus, and improve overall cognitive function. The antioxidant EGCG has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may delay cognitive decline. Studies have also shown that the combination of l-theanine and caffeine can improve attention span and improve concentration. 

5) Healthy eating and cooking

What better way to channel energy and focus than into what you eat? Cooking has been shown to be a therapeutic activity for many and can help foster a sense of community at the same time.  Sharing meals with friends and family can be a wonderful bonding experience. Cooking your own healthy meals can also improve immunity, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and improve sleep and mood. Cooking is a great creative outlet that can help replace other less ideal habits.

Matcha is a wonderful ingredient to include in your next meal! Check out our plethora of delicious matcha recipes here.

How to maintain balance if you have an addictive personality

Addiction is often associated with substances like drugs and alcohol, but true addiction can occur with any habit. Even healthy habits like the ones we’ve mentioned above, such as exercise, can turn into an unhealthy addiction if it becomes detrimental to your overall health.

This is why mindfulness and moderation are key. When it comes to maintaining balance in your life, balancing intensity with rest, surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family, and regularly assessing your habits to ensure they remain positive and balanced are helpful.

The bottom Line | Pursue balance in all things

If you feel like you have an addictive personality, it can be helpful to channel that energy into positive habits such as exercise, arts and crafts, learning and cooking. But remember, it’s important to maintain balance with all habits. Even positive ones! 

With its high antioxidant content and combination of l-theanine and caffeine, matcha can be a great tool for creating new habits and living your most positive and authentic life. Matcha can help keep you focused and alert, gives you an energy boost, protects your brain health and can even help you to be more creative. 

If you are struggling with a true addiction, help is available. Please reach out to your medical team if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. 

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes 

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