Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the human brain, responsible for making us feel motivated to proceed with our daily tasks. It makes us satisfied for accomplishing a task. Also, dopamine is released in your brain when you perform a sport, learn something new, or even get a promotion at work. Dopamine is not only the motivation molecule as it encourages attention and focus. The dopamine deficiency can cause a lack of focus, fatigue, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating, alongside other effects. In this article, we propose 7 ways on how to increase dopamine naturally in your brain.
1- CONSUME FOODS THAT ARE RICH IN TYROSINE
Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps produce dopamine in your body. You can find it in bananas, almonds, eggs, avocados, fish, chicken, and beans.
2- EXERCISE REGULARLY
We already know that exercising is important for your brain. Not only it increases the production of new brain cells, but it also slows brain cells aging, and can increase the levels of dopamine. It has been associated with an improved overall outlook on life, and mood.
3- MEDITATE
Meditation has been associated with many health benefits. It also has been shown that it can increase the dopamine level in your brain which improves your concentration and focus. However, even if you are new to meditation, you can use a guide for beginners to get started.
4- GET A MASSAGE
Massage is all about relaxation, and relaxation increases the level of dopamine in the body as it helps you fight and avoid stress. Research has backed up the argument that states that dopamine can be increased through massage therapy by almost 30% and can decrease the stress hormone, cortisol.
5- SLEEP
Sleep is another way that helps you relax and increases dopamine levels in your body naturally. Therefore getting enough sleep can improve your dopamine levels. In order to improve the dopamine level and increase the quality of your sleep, you must prepare yourself to sleep by staying away from electronics for at least half an hour before bed. Sleep will help repair and renew the cells in your body and allows your brain to get rid of the toxins that can build up, and keeps the nerve cell connections and pathways active. On the other hand, lack of sleep can reduce concentrations of neurotransmitters, one of them is dopamine, and its receptors.
6- LISTEN TO MUSIC
Calming music is known to increase pleasurable feelings, reduce stress, and improve moods as well and concentration and focus. This is due to the increase in dopamine levels caused by this type of music.
7- TAKE SUPPLEMENTS
Many supplements contain adaptogens that can promote healthy dopamine levels. Panax ginseng, Rhodiola, and ashwagandha are some of the things that can be found in the best supplements. These are usually found in choline, and decaffeinated green tea and can help promote focus and energy, as well as stamina and endurance. Keep yourself energized with the right choices!