How to Increase your Dopamine Levels.

Dopamine plays an important role in our bodies by affecting our behaviour and physical functions. When our dopamine levels have decreased, it has been proven to lead to different mental health struggles.

We have the ability to increase our dopamine levels which helps us to live more enjoyable lives. With summer coming to an end and back-to-school and work routines starting up once again, I thought it might be helpful to share a few ways to increase your dopamine levels and how to keep your dopamine levels high throughout the day.

To Boost Dopamine…
Get Enough Sleep – 8-9 hours/night, napping helps too!

Add Protein – Have a little with every meal, nuts, meat, eggs, peanut butter, and beans.

Go Outdoors – Fresh air and natural light help to reduce cortisol (the stress chemical) quickly.

Feel The Love – Be intentional about giving and receiving hugs, kisses and affirming words.

Play Your Favorite Music – Music soothes the soul and increases dopamine.

Exercise – Commit to a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise. Even a little exercise every day makes a big difference!

Try Something New – New, weird or exciting things have a way of increasing feelings of happiness.

Meditate – Proven helpful by thousands of studies.

Solve Problems – Helps the mind relax.

Create Small Wins – Like tidying up for 10 minutes, or answering an overdue email.

Avoid Dopamine Crashers – Like too much sugar or caffeine, alcohol or marijuana.

Eat Well – regular nourishment of healthy foods

Make Time for the Unexpected – Life happens, and being too rushed robs life of joy and meaning.

(These thoughts were inspired by The ADHD & Asperger’s Centre)