During these times of high levels of stress, the brain releases dopamine, which activates its reward center. And because the brain’s job is to protect us from danger, it is like, Ooooh, sweet, I got a reward! Positive reinforcement! I need to keep being stressed! This is why, so often, we unconsciously seek out situations that aren’t good for us (e.g., high-stress jobs, toxic relationships, and so on). Our bodies have only ever known that level of stress, so they crave it.
