How to Boost Your Dopamine and Get the Most Out of Your Day
1. Get Sunlight in Your Eyes
Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning can prime the norepinephrine system and give you energy. This will also help to get the cortisol level up, which is the hormone responsible for waking us out of sleep.
2. Engage in Movement
Engaging in some form of movement, such as a walk or a run, for 10–15 minutes will not only help to wake you up, but can also promote the release of dopamine.
Nature has also shown that forward movement, especially when there is a low level of stress in the system, can help to reduce the activity of the amygdala, which is the threat detection center in the brain.
3. Set a Goal for the Morning
Setting a goal for the morning can give you a dopamine reward and help you stay focused on singular goals. This goal should be something that is achievable and will help you stay motivated.
4. Regular, Predictable Practices
By taking control of your own control circuits through regular practices, you can help yourself stay focused on specific goals and make the most out of your day.
5. Avoid Activities That Could Take You Off Track
It is important to be aware that there are certain activities that could take you off track and not be beneficial. Checking your phone and scrolling through social media can give you a dopamine reward, but it is not necessarily beneficial.
6. Consider Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting, or pushing your first meal out, can slightly increase the amount of dopamine in your system as it puts you in anticipation of a goal.
Conclusion
Understanding our neurochemicals and how to optimize them can help us get the most out of our day.
By employing certain behavioral and nutritional strategies, such as engaging in movement, setting goals, and intermittent fasting, we can increase our dopamine levels and reap the benefits of increased energy, focus, and productivity.
Additionally, it is important to remember that setting goals and engaging in forward action can help us stay focused and quiets the activity of the amygdala.
Taking control of our own control circuits through regular practices can also help us stay focused on our goals and make the most out of our day.
