Sex, Drugs & Rock ’n Roll. Where’s your dopamine hit coming from this weekend?

I had a power-hour, fun lunch with a friend yesterday. We covered a hellva lot of topics, (manically) on aspects of each of our businesses. We laughed raucously. So much so, that I saw people at neighbouring tables frowning.

One of the topics we ‘dipped into’ was how each of us gets our daily ‘dopamine hits’? Neither of us use drugs. So yes, it could be ‘intimacy’ and it could be ‘Rock & Roll’ ! I have a great love of this music from my father, and I was born in 1966… great year in the music industry, I might add.

Clearly this ‘dopamine hit’ topic has been swirling around in my brain, for the past 24 hours or so.

Thirty seconds of neuroscience:
Dopamine is an important chemical messenger in your brain, and has many functions. It’s involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and even regulation of body movements. When dopamine is released in large amounts, it creates feelings of pleasure and reward, which may motivate you to repeat a specific behaviour.

Now let’s get practical: ‘So what, now what?
What can YOU do to get that extra shot (or two) of dopamine, naturally this weekend?

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QUICK FIXES:

1. Eat lots of protein:
   Why? Proteins are made up of amino acids. Some of which your body can make, and others you must get from food. One amino acid called Tyrosine plays a critical role in the production of dopamine.
   SO EAT MORE: beef, eggs, dairy, and legumes this weekend
2. ‍Add probiotics to your diet:
   Why? Probiotic supplements have been linked to improved mood. Your ‘gut’ is your second brain. It’s now clear that certain species of bacteria that live in your gut are also capable of producing dopamine.
   SO SWING PAST A HEALTH SHOP… and buy a Probiotic (contact me if you need ‘brand’ advice)‍
3. Get outside, and bask in the sunlight.
   WHY? Low sunshine exposure can lead to reduced levels of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, including dopamine!
   SO JUST GET out and revel in, wallow in, enjoy, rollick, and have fun OUTDOORS. Remember to avoid been outdoors when ultraviolet radiation is the strongest — typically between 10am and 2pm

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HABIT CHANGES (that can lead to great personal RITUALS):

1. ‍‍Play your favourite (preferably ‘upbeat’) music in your bathroom in the mornings…while you’re getting ready to embrace the day.
2. Exercise:
   Micros -burst of 1-2 mins skipping can boost your dopamine. See my Linkedin Post on Wed 24th May for some ‘micro-burst’ ideas.
3. Meditate:
   If you battle to sit still for 20 mins, try this brilliant Mobile APP called Reveri. It has one minute  “Quick Relief” Meditation sessions. I often do a one min session between meetings, during the day. It ‘reboots’ my (often) frazzled brain.
   
   #chooseone #justdoit #selfmanage #lesscomplaining #behappier #BOUNCEFORWARD