Tag Archives: dopamine

Need an instant mood boost?

27 Friday Aug 2021

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Clip some coupons. Research from Claremont Graduate University found every time we see a good deal – and anticipate saving money – our brain gets a shot of feel-good oxytocin and dopamine – even if we never actually buy the item. That explains why researchers found clipping coupons, or visiting coupon websites, can trigger a 38% jump in happiness levels. Which is similar to the mood boost we get from receiving a gift.

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Are you always tired?

27 Thursday May 2021

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If you’re constantly exhausted, even when you sleep enough, you might need more B‑12! The vitamin boosts production of energizing and mood-boosting chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin. That’s why the two classic signs of low B‑12 are lack of energy and blue moods! But the best natural sources of B‑12 aren’t so popular: Like sardines, mackerel and organ meats, including liver and kidneys. So ask your doctor about taking a thousand-microgram supplement. That can reverse fatigue and cut your risk of depression in half within 3 weeks. You can also get B-12 from foods like beef, salmon, milk, fortified cereals and soy products.

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Farmers’ Market mood boost!

15 Tuesday Dec 2020

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Want an instant mood boost? Head for the nearest farmers’ market! A study in the journal Neuron found just seeing all the displays of colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked goods, and homemade pickles, jams, and cheeses will produce a spike in feel-good dopamine in your body. Add in the chance to chat with vendors and your fellow shoppers, and that’ll provide an instant mood boost, whether you’re buying, or just browsing. Wandering through a farmers’ market packed with fresh foods also encourages healthy eating habits. 

So, if you want an instant mood boost, visit a farmers’ market! If there are no farmer’s markets in your area due to the cold weather try giving your local grocery store’s produce department a stroll.

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To reduce stress – listen to music!

17 Monday Feb 2020

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While classical music has a particularly soothing effect – it slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure and even decreases levels of stress hormones – ANY music that you love will flood your brain with feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine.

And music is particularly beneficial if you’re in the middle of a stressful event. If you don’t have access to music, make your own. A study on stressed-out nursing students found that singing relieved their stress and prevented burnout.

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Don’t skip your morning coffee!

22 Monday Apr 2019

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If skipping your morning coffee makes you feel grumpy, or even depressed, it’s not your imagination. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health found drinking 2 to 4 cups of caffeinated coffee improves mood. It can reduce the risk of depression by 20%, and cuts the risk of suicide in half! The researchers say caffeine acts as a mild antidepressant by boosting production of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

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Want increased brainpower?

07 Thursday Mar 2019

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Eat more avocado! Research at East Carolina University found avocados contain high levels of vitamin K and pantothenic acid… a nutritional one-two punch that improves communication between neurons, and boosts production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which boosts focus. After eating just half an avocado a day for a week, your risk of brain fog and memory lapses will be cut in half.

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If you’ve been feeling stressed and anxious…

08 Thursday Nov 2018

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…you may need a dose of tyrosine. That’s an amino acid that helps increase the brain’s production of dopamine – the neurotransmitter associated with producing a feeling of calm. And eating just a quarter cup of tyrosine-rich foods can soothe your nerves in as little as 30 minutes – and last at least 2 hours. Foods loaded with tyrosine include edamame, pumpkin seeds and almonds.

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To be happier, find a ‘hands-on’ hobby.

16 Tuesday Oct 2018

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Neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Lambert says that baking, gardening, woodworking and other manual activities release the natural antidepressants serotonin and dopamine. This ‘effort-driven’ reward circuit is a holdover from the days when our ancestors had to use their hands to fill their stomachs. And even though it’s a lot easier to buy bread, you can’t buy that awesome feeling of pulling your own homemade loaves out of the oven.

And that’s why a ‘hands-on’ hobby will make you feel awesome.

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Feeling tense?

24 Monday Jul 2017

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Here are a few foods proven to help you de‑stress:
Starting with Blueberries. They contain antioxidants so powerful, they counteract the production of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases blood sugar levels. And high levels of cortisol are linked to belly fat.
Another anti-stress food: Peaches. The potassium in peaches helps lower blood pressure.
Finally, when you’re stressed, load up on sunflower seeds. They contain high levels of folate, which helps your body produce the feel-good brain chemical dopamine.

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How many squats do you think you can do?

21 Tuesday Mar 2017

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How many miles do you think you can run? Answering questions like that can enhance your workout. Dr. Jane McGonigal is a performance studies expert – and she says simply making a prediction in your head triggers production of the feel-good chemical dopamine… which can help you work harder without feeling like you’re exerting yourself more. Because the increased dopamine gives you a bigger sense of determination – and distracts your mind from focusing on the effort you’re making. So just before you start your run, guesstimate how long it’ll take to do your first mile. You’ll end up pushing yourself to make that time, or beat it.