Did you know that we have chemicals in our brain that make us feel good? One of the most important is Dopamine (also known as the ‘feel good chemical’). Having reduced levels of dopamine can lead to adverse effects like depression and negativity.
But don’t worry, there are natural ways to increase your dopamine so you can experience a more constant level of happiness. Best of all, the following techniques don’t involve medications.
1. Exercise.
Exercise can boost your levels of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, which will not only strengthen your muscles, but will help reduce your stress. The best bit? It works with any kind of exercise – just as long as you get moving!
2. Avoid Addictions.
While addictions may provide an instant boost of pleasure, it isn’t long-lasting.What eventually happens is that your base levels of dopamine will actually decrease and you will need your addiction more often. Therefore, it can beneficial to avoid addictions and focus on things that give you calm and peace.
3. Detoxification.
Toxins and unhealthy bacteria can halt your body producing dopamine, so make sure to consistently detoxify your body.
4. Increase Tyrosine.
This amino acid is one of the most important for the production of dopamine. Make sure to consume almonds, bananas, dark chocolate and green tea.
5. Music
Music actually increases your feel good chemicals, so make sure to regularly listen to music you enjoy.
6. Organize your life.
When you complete a goal, dopamine levels are increased. Therefore, write down your tasks, even small ones, and tick them off once you complete them. Every time you finish a task, you’ll experience a small rush of dopamine for completing your goal.
7. Creativity.
Being creative releases dopamine. The great thing is creativity can be found in a whole range of tasks from writng to singing to dancing.
8. Get a streak going.
This is a visual display of the number of times you achieve something. Again, by displaying things you achieve, your brain will recognize that you’re completing goals which will increase dopamine.
9. Supplementation.
These are the supplements that can boost dopamine levels:
Curcumin – found in turmeric
Ginkgo Biloba
Acetl-l-tyrosine
L-theanine, which is found in green tea.
10. Meditation.
This works differently compared to exercise.
It will make you more calm and relaxed, which will enable you to reduce stress.