Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter for the proper functioning of our body, more specifically our brain. Considered as the molecule of pleasure, it is essential for motivation, coordination, imagination, projection into the future or initiation to action. When its level is low in our body, life becomes more difficult. So here are 5 ways to naturally increase your dopamine to taste happiness.
What is dopamine?
Dopamine is known to be one of the “pleasure molecules” or “thehappiness hormone ». She is more precisely a neurotransmitter (chemical molecule that ensures the transmission of messages from one neuron to another) released by the brain provides a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. EIt is mainly synthesized in the midbrain (region of the brainstem connected to the brain) and in the nucleus of the hypothalamus (part of the brain).
This neurotransmitter is involved in what is called the reward circuit. These are the brain structures responsible for pleasure. Activation of this circuit results in the release of dopamine which acts as the chemical messenger of pleasure. Morally, when the latter is not sufficiently secreted, or at least its level is low, it can lead to different complications.
We note for example : lack of motivationfatigue, addictive behaviors (drugs, alcohol, tobacco)mood changes… Hence the importance of know these 5 ways to increase dopamine naturally.
1 – Adopt a good diet to increase your dopamine
To naturally boost your dopamine production, you have to do strategic choices in his diet. For instance, rely on foods rich in phenylalanine and tyrosine. These are two amino acids that participate in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter.
- Examples of tyrosine-rich foods: almonds, tofu, avocado, banana, soy and dark chocolate, etc.
- Examples ofgood sources of protein: brown rice, legumes, oilseeds, seitan, quinoa etc.
2 – Practice regular physical activity
It is not a secret, even if it is sometimes very difficult to admit it: l’physical exercise is one of the best things what we can do for our brain. Sport activates the reward zone and therefore the release of dopamine and endorphin (another happiness hormone).
No need to do a marathon to find these same benefits. You can simply walk or do gentle exercises such as and yogabecause they are good for the body and the soul.
3 – Pet an animalal
It’s quite unusual, but yes pet or cuddle an animal increases serotonin and dopamine levels in our body. This tender gesture can also lower blood pressure and cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety.
4 – Take time for yourself
He is more than necessary take time for yourself if you want to increase your dopamine naturally. This allows you release stress that prevents the proper secretion of dopamine.
So during the week or the weekend, take time to doing activities that make you feel good and which make you happy. Also feel free to spend time with the people you love or even to grantedr to your body and mind time to meditation.
5 – Listen to music to increase your dopamine
Did you know ? The music can cause a discharge of hormones and emotions in the body. Listening to your music favorites, your brain increases its production of dopamine, endorphin, serotonin and morphine endgene. And on the other hand, music lowers cortisol levels (the stress). So take out your earphones or headphones without moderation and don’t wait any longer to launch this playlist that you love so much !
Now you know how to naturally increase your dopamine. Apply these few tips without delay to taste happiness too!
