Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as part of the brain's reward system. Sex, shopping, smelling cookies baking in the oven — all these things can trigger dopamine release, or a "dopamine rush." Being a hedonist myself, I am often on the lookout for opportunites to increase my dopamine intake.
This feel-good neurotransmitter is also involved in reinforcement. That's why, once we try one of those cookies, we might come back for another one (or two, or three). The darker side of dopamine is the intense feeling of reward people feel when they take drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which can lead to addiction.
Now I don't want to become addicted to crack, so I often try to gain my dopamine hits from more innocuous and 'work friendly' resources, and the good news is that your brain will still love you for giving it more accessible and far less illegal and expensive forms of dopamine and here's how you can do it (trust me I know).
LOW LEVEL HITS:
This feel-good neurotransmitter is also involved in reinforcement. That's why, once we try one of those cookies, we might come back for another one (or two, or three). The darker side of dopamine is the intense feeling of reward people feel when they take drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which can lead to addiction.
Now I don't want to become addicted to crack, so I often try to gain my dopamine hits from more innocuous and 'work friendly' resources, and the good news is that your brain will still love you for giving it more accessible and far less illegal and expensive forms of dopamine and here's how you can do it (trust me I know).
LOW LEVEL HITS:
- Quick walks
- Petting a cat or dog
- Small snacks (yep that cookie will give it to ya!)
- Dance breaks
- Stretches
- Watering your plants
- Cuppa tea
- Face mask
- Call a friend
- Reading
- Time in nature
- Drawing
- Tai Chi
- Journal
- Hanging with a friend
- A Bath or shower
- Dinner dates
- Meditating
- Cooking
- Sitting by watr (lake or beach)
- Yoga
- Coffee shop visit
- Comfy blankets
- Sunshine
- Candles
- Audiobooks
- Good sleep
- Dance
- Crochet, sew or knit
- Podcasts
- Diffuser with essential oils
- Fidget toys
- Playlists
- Open a window
- Affirmation cards
- Scrolling Pinterest
- Watching TV
- Gaming
- Op shopping
- Vacations
- Massage
- Buying a new outfit
- Overseas journeys
- Mani- pedi
- Random act of kindness
- Learn a new language
- Going to musicals, plays or live performances
- Day tripping or road tripping
- Write poetry
- Host a dinner party
- Take an Art Class
- Practising gratitude
- Do a new thing
- Learn an instrument
- Start a Passion Project
THELMA
Release Date: 2024
Rating: M
Running Time: 98 mins
A feel good American comedy; written, directed and edited by Josh Margolin that tells a heart-warming and delivers an equal measure of amusement and inspiration. June Squibb steals the limelight as Thelma and delivers a first rate performance that will leave you with the feel good fuzzies.
93 year old Thelma gets phone scammed and loses $10,000. Never one to go down without a fight, Thelma takes matters into her own hands and decides to get her money back; only problem is she doesn't tell her family what she's up to and they think that something dreadful has happened to her.
It's all about connections and integrity when it comes to Thelma. This charming little tale touched my heart and tickled my funny bone.
FINAL SAY: I didn't expect to get so old.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2024
Rating: M
Running Time: 98 mins
A feel good American comedy; written, directed and edited by Josh Margolin that tells a heart-warming and delivers an equal measure of amusement and inspiration. June Squibb steals the limelight as Thelma and delivers a first rate performance that will leave you with the feel good fuzzies.
93 year old Thelma gets phone scammed and loses $10,000. Never one to go down without a fight, Thelma takes matters into her own hands and decides to get her money back; only problem is she doesn't tell her family what she's up to and they think that something dreadful has happened to her.
It's all about connections and integrity when it comes to Thelma. This charming little tale touched my heart and tickled my funny bone.
FINAL SAY: I didn't expect to get so old.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
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