Fatigue, reduced concentration, memory loss, and lack of motivation can result from dopamine deficiency. Thankfully, the so-called “happiness hormone” can be stimulated naturally through certain actions.
This compound is naturally secreted to provide a certain feeling of satisfaction in response to specific actions, such as physical activity. According to the French Federation for Brain Research, it is, more precisely, a “neurotransmitter that serves to reinforce behaviours such as eating and plays a role in motivation by functioning as a kind of reward system”.
A deficiency or excess of dopamine can have repercussions ranging from memory loss to addictions. In conjunction with Brain Awareness Week, which ends today, here are six things you could do to help stimulate its production.
1. Play with your pet
Many studies have shown that pets, especially dogs and cats, are a source of happiness and can even lower the stress hormone cortisol in our systems.
In fact, petting a furry friend releases two essential substances: oxytocin, the love and social bonding hormone; and dopamine.
2. Exercise
It is well established that exercise or playing sports releases endorphins. Whatever the chosen form, physical activity naturally stimulates the production of dopamine during and after exertion, providing that feeling of wellness, accomplishment and satisfaction that gym junkies often talk about.
It is, therefore, not surprising that certain studies point to a link between physical activity, memory and concentration, or that exercise can be a source of motivation or, in excess, addiction.
3. Listen to music
Music may “soothe the savage breast”, but that’s not all – it could also play an active role in stimulating the production of dopamine.
Music and pleasure appear to be intimately linked, provided, of course, that you choose tracks that you like. Activating the brain’s reward system, listening to music could even arouse feelings of euphoria and desire often associated with eating, sex, or taking certain drugs, as revealed by researchers from Canada’s McGill University.
Hence, it is not surprising that music is now used in healthcare settings, with music therapy used, for instance, to complement nursing care.
4. Brighten your look
Researchers have shown that when it comes to what you wear, choosing bright, cheerful colours can help add joy to your day – a concept known as “dopamine dressing”.
But it doesn’t end here – social media users have extended this to a concept known as “dopamine beauty”. Based on the same principle, they advocate that those who wear makeup should similarly choose cheerful colours to provide that pop of happy hormones.
5. Make love
From relieving migraines to fighting certain cardiovascular diseases and even looking younger, sex seems to be particularly beneficial for health, according to numerous studies. Beyond these, sex could also be a stimulant for dopamine production since it is obviously also directly associated with pleasure.
Making love is enough to secrete the famous molecule, but the orgasm alone provides a veritable cocktail of hormones, releasing serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin, all associated in one way or another with happiness and pleasure.
6. Eat well
A poor diet can be the cause of dopamine deficiency. To boost dopamine production, turn to foods rich in tyrosine, such as meat and fish, seaweed, leek, spinach, legumes, avocados, bananas and chocolate.
These ingredients can help fight against stress, improve your mood, and limit fatigue.