Wellness Wednesday

Feeling dull? Ten tips to deal with dopamine dips

By Michelle Welch, RD, LMNT, LPS Wellness Facilitator

Feeling dull? Ten tips to deal with dopamine dips

Are you feeling a bit dull? Down in the dumps? Dopamine to the rescue! Our brains crave the dopamine that comes from stimulation. Simply paying attention to efforts to boost dopamine may be a helpful lifeline to rescue us from the doldrums. Our “happiness” chemistry is boosted through new, exciting or out of the ordinary activities. It’s also boosted by food experiences and physical activity. Here are some ideas.

1)     Go for a drive. The leaves are beautiful. Play fun leaf/leaves-themed music different than what you listen to regularly. If you leave me now…Drop it like it’s hot… whatever works for you.

2)     Dust off board games, puzzles or any brain games you have access to—even better if they are off-screen, as movement will add to the boost.

3)     Seek out new flavors and seasonings. Instead of the standard meatloaf Monday, use new spices and go Mexican meatloaf, or better yet, something else entirely. When grocery shopping, look for inexpensive, fun new foods. How about buying five different apples instead of five of the same type?

4)     Get adventurous with your walks or workouts. Consider walking a different route, even doing the walk, in reverse. The more we can get out during those sunlight hours can really help.

5)     Plan something, not work related. A project, a hobby, a day trip, whatever can create some excitement for you.

6)     Address sleep with your provider if you haven’t been getting adequate sleep. Even for the most motivated person, lack of sleep leads to lack of luster and drive to face the world or do much of anything. Take it seriously.

7)     Seek out distant friend and family fun. If your virtual friend gatherings have not developed or have frittered away, consider reconnecting, maybe with a theme or something to make it feel new and fresh.

8)     Find a purpose outside yourself, be it making masks or surprising someone with a good deed. Dopamine boost indeed!

9)     Bring on the brights. Just as sunlight is important, if you have bright colors in your closet, wear them! Anything from tops to pants to scarves or face coverings - anything to put some extra color in the world.

10)  Find a good laugh. Watching silly movies or pet videos, books or whatever tickles your funny bone. If you like to write or journal, think about writing something fun. We all can benefit from a good laugh, now more than ever.

Wishing you many a positive boost in brain chemistry! Dopamine like you mean it!

 


Published: October 21, 2020, Updated: October 21, 2020