Do you feel like you are in a funk? Even wellness-conscious people find ourselves in a rut at times. Despite our dedication to healthy habits, busy schedules, stress, and unexpected events can disrupt our typical routines.
If you are feeling a lack of motivation, decreased concentration, tiredness, or moodiness, you may be experiencing low levels of dopamine.
What Is Dopamine?
Dopamine is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter or the “happy hormone.” It is a chemical messenger in your brain that gives you feelings of motivation and satisfaction. Dopamine plays a very important role in regulating mood as well. If you are feeling no drive to accomplish tasks, moody, generally “off,” there are several natural ways to boost this neurotransmitter and promote your well-being and happiness.
This blog post explores effective methods to naturally increase your dopamine levels and boost your mood.
Ways to Increase Dopamine Levels Holistically
In order to increase your “happy hormone” naturally, it is important to take care of the the body and the mind.
1. Move Your Body
Exercise is one of the most quickest and most effective ways to boost your dopamine levels naturally. Physical activity triggers dopamine to be released in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Engaging in regular exercise, ideally for at least 30 minutes, will stimulate dopamine release.
If you are looking to amplify your energy and focus while working out, a pre-workout supplement may be the boost you need. We love the Ora Organic Preworkout because it does not contain any artificial flavors, nor does it give you jitters like other pre-workout powders might.
2. Eat Dopamine-Boosting Foods
We always promote a nourishing, balanced diet. There are certain foods that help to increase dopamine levels. Try including whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet, like a variety of fruits and leafy greens. Also, incorporating foods rich in tyrosine, an amino acid precursor to dopamine, into your diet can help boost you mood and energy. Foods that have tyrosine include eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and lean meats.
3. Set and Achieve Goals
Dopamine is released in the brain when you feel a sense of accomplishment. Achieving your goals, whether big or small, can boost dopamine levels by providing a sense of attainment and reward. Even checking items off a list is an effective way to feel accomplished, therefore triggering dopamine levels. Set realistic goals for yourself and take small steps each day to work towards achieving them.
4. Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can increase dopamine levels by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. If your mind is racing despite trying to mediate, it could be due to excess stress. Too much stress can negatively impact your dopamine levels and overall mental health. Deep breathing and muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and support healthy dopamine regulation.
Need some help de-stressing? We carry Look Organics Calm, a supplement that promotes relaxation and works to improve energy production, mood, and sleep.
5. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Do you wake up still feeling tired? Adequate sleep is essential for optimal brain function, including dopamine production and regulation. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night to support healthy dopamine levels.
If you are looking for supplements to help with a good sleep routine, some of our favorites include Juna Nightcap Sleep Gummies, Cymbiotika Sleep, and Ora Organic You're A Knock Out Natural Sleep Aid Supplement. All our options have clean ingredients and work with your body’s natural circadian rhythm to help you have a better night of rest.
6. Engage in Creative Activities
Make time for creative hobbies in your life. Engaging in creative activities, such as drawing, writing, or playing music, can stimulate dopamine production. When you immerse yourself in creative tasks, your brain enters a flow state where you are fully engaged in the task at hand. The concentration that happens for a creative task boosts dopamine levels because it contributes to a sense of accomplishment.
7. Practice Gratitude and Positivity
The power of gratitude can go a long way. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can increase dopamine levels naturally by increasing your general happiness. If you focus on the positive aspects of your life, your brain considers them to be confirmations or achievements, therefore triggering dopamine. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, whether it is your health, relationships, or simple pleasures in life.
8. Get Regular Sunlight Exposure
Spending time outside has many health benefits. Importantly, sunlight exposure can increase dopamine levels in the brain by triggering the release of vitamin D and serotonin, which are closely linked to dopamine production. Take advantage of opportunities to go outside and connect with nature by going for walks, hiking, or simply getting outside and enjoying the sunshine.
We have discussed the importance of sunscreen on our blog as well. If you are going to spend excessive time in the sun, remember to apply a low-tox sunscreen like our Kinfield Cloud Cover SPF 35.
9. Socialize and Connect
Regular social interaction and meaningful connections with others are essential for promoting dopamine release. We are social creatures by nature. Prioritizing spending time with friends, family, and people you are close to fosters a sense of connection. Building a social support network can enhance dopamine levels by contributing to a feeling of belonging and fulfillment.
10. Practice Dopamine Fasting
Dopamine fasting involves taking a break from certain activities that typically stimulate dopamine. Scrolling on social media, playing video games, and excessive screen time may all release dopamine in the brain, but these activities are not necessarily good for your health. By taking a break from these activities, and temporarily reducing sensory input, you can reset your dopamine receptors and enhance their sensitivity to natural rewards.
Increasing dopamine levels naturally is important for overall wellness and happiness. By incorporating holistic strategies into your daily routine, you can support healthy dopamine production and regulation holistically, in a variety of different ways. Remember to prioritize self-care, set realistic goals, and celebrate your successes along the way.
