Dopamine or the “pleasure” chemical is responsible for a variety of physical and mental processes in the brain. So, learning how you can increase naturally your dopamine levels, you can easily overcome apathy, fear, anxiety, and depression and boost your happiness levels and feelings of pleasure which are results of this wonderful little neuron.
Dopamine is the main reason why we get addicted to certain drugs or certain behaviors. It rewards the things that give us pleasure by making them highly desirable and gets us addicted. This is all good until the dopamine crash occurs once the “pleasure” source is removed from the system. That’s when addicts indulge in bad behaviors to get their “fix” again. Yes, the dopamine is that desirable.
Of course, there are many less destructive ways to increase the dopamine levels, like sex, winning money, or playing (and winning) video games. But, there are some natural ways that you can do and boost your dopamine levels instantly completely safe and with zero addictive backlashes.
Dopamine is, without doubt, the number one neuron responsible for our happiness and wellbeing. Without it, we can get depressed, sad, afraid, confused, anxious, and pessimistic.
Here are one hundred percent natural ways to boost your dopamine levels:
MAKE A TO-DO LIST AND CROSS OFF THE THINGS YOU ACCOMPLISH
The brain gets excited and produces dopamine every time we accomplish a task successfully, no matter how small it is. So, try to break up the big tasks into smaller ones and cross them off one by one to get even more dopamine levels.
EXERCISE
Exercise boosts dopamine in the brain. It also increases serotonin and many other endorphins as well. By exercising regularly, you can strengthen your mind and body, reduce stress, and prevent depression.
LISTEN TO UP-LIFTING MUSIC
One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase your dopamine levels is by listening to uplifting music. You will notice how your mood will elevate and you will feel happier instantly.
EAT DOPAMINE-FRIENDLY FOODS
Such as green tea, eggs, coffee, milk, bananas, almonds, watermelon, yogurt, and dark chocolate.
DETOX
A regular detox is a must if you want to increase your mood. Because, the more toxins there are in your body, the more your body prevents the production of the dopamine. You can try detoxing by taking active charcoal, drinking green juice, or by yogic cleansing.
GET CREATIVE
By painting, writing, creating music, doing craft-work… it doesn’t matter as long as you are being creative. Cook a delicious meal, write a poem, dance, or get creative and paint your walls in your home. You will find that your dopamine levels will get higher and higher.
START A POSITIVE STREAK
This is an excellent way for forming new, healthy habits while also boosting your dopamine levels. Markdown in your calendar how many times you have skipped soda or did one new thing. You will be surprised how good you will feel.
REDUCE YOUR LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDES
This big word is actually an endotoxin which makes your immune system to go crazy. Lipopolysaccharides prevent the brain’s production of dopamine. You can lower their level by consuming foods like kefir, kimchi, yogurt, or taking probiotics.
MEDITATION AND YOGA
It is a common knowledge that people who meditate and practice yoga handle stress better, and usually feel happier and more fulfilled than those who don’t. This is because by practicing these exercises they get a huge dopamine boost.
So, there you go. Get creative, detox and exercise regularly, change your diet, listen to music, and meditate. You will notice the results immediately.
