Dopamine is a chemical messenger in your brain that is essential for motivation, movement, memory, mood, sleep, and behavior regulation. Low dopamine levels can make you feel less motivated, apathetic, and affect your ability to concentrate. Below are 5 techniques you could use to naturally increase your dopamine levels:
-
Get Enough Sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, dopamine receptors in your body can be adversely affected, and sleep deprivation can lead to the suppression of some dopamine receptors in your body. Aim at seven or more hours of sleep every night.
-
Listen to Some Music. Listening to music you find pleasurable can lead to a release of dopamine in your brain. Make a playlist of some of your favorite tunes and listen to it when you are feeling fatigued, listless or unmotivated.
-
Maintain a Healthy Diet. Foods that are rich in tyrosine, such as eggs, fish, chicken and almonds, are especially good for boosting dopamine levels.
-
Exercise. Exercising regularly has been proven to be very important for your brain’s health. Engage in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to boost your dopamine levels.
-
Cut Down on Processed Sugars. Processed sugars such as the ones found in candy and soda can increase your dopamine levels temporarily but this is typically followed by a “crash” that can leave you feeling down. Instead, look for natural ways to satisfy your sweet tooth - try fresh or dried fruit, honey, or coconut sugar.
