Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that increases feelings of happiness. This chemical, released by the brain, enables you to feel motivated and optimistic about the future. When dopamine levels in your body are low, it can lead to depression and lack of motivation. However, there are ways for you to increase your dopamine level in order to combat these adverse conditions.
This article outlines some of the most effective ways for you to boost your dopamine levels during a workday when you may be feeling blue or tired from all that procrastination.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most efficient ways for you to increase the amount of dopamine in your body. This chemical stimulates the neurons in your brain to produce dopamine, which makes you feel more energetic and motivated instantly.
You can take a caffeine pill if you are short on time or want a quick fix during work hours. However, be aware that this method may not work well for everyone, since it only lasts for about an hour or so before it wears off. You can also drink coffee or tea to boost your dopamine levels. These caffeinated drinks stay in your system longer than caffeine pills and are tastier than popping a pill with water.
2. Exercise
Exercising benefits you both physically and mentally. It increases your blood circulation, which makes you feel more energetic and increases your feelings of happiness. However, too much exercising can also speed up the processing of your thoughts, which can cause anxiety and stress. If you do not have enough time to exercise during work hours, you can use the available time as a strategic planning period to plan out what you are going to do during the upcoming week or month.
You can also use exercise to increase your dopamine levels. For example, if you are going to have a fun night out with your friends after work, think of some creative tasks you can do instead of going out. This will divert the thought process from the tedious work that is happening at your office. If you feel like doing simple chores at home as an alternative, it will also keep your mind off the workload that is moving slowly at work.
3. Healthy Snacks and Meals
If you are starving during work hours, eating a healthy snack such as fruits or vegetables will help boost dopamine levels in your body. It will also help you concentrate better on your tasks because you are fulfilling your body's need for nutrients. Studies show that eating a balanced diet means you have more dopamine in the brain, which leads to an increase in energy levels and motivation to work. Thus, eating healthy snacks and meals that contain vitamins, minerals and fiber will boost dopamine levels in your brain.
4. Listen to Music
For those who are easily distracted, listening to music can help eliminate outside noises around you so that you can concentrate on the task at hand. Many people prefer to listen to music while studying or doing some research online when they feel tired of working without progress or motivation.
Listening to music not only keeps you calm, but it also allows you to focus on the task at hand. Many people find that the rhythm of music will help them concentrate better compared to silence. If you want to listen to upbeat and loud music, this might work for you. However, if you want a more peaceful atmosphere in which you can reflect on your work and enjoyment, opting for a softer version of music will do just fine.
5. Exercising with Music
This is an effective way of exercising during work hours while listening to your favorite song that boosts dopamine levels in your body due to the rhythmic movements involved. If you find that the rhythm of the song distracts you, ask someone to turn down the volume or turn it off. You can also use ear plugs to block out the sound of other people talking in the office.
6. Take a Break
Taking a break is important during work an breaks if you have been working on something for hours without results. You will be tired and probably need food since you have not had time to eat lunch yet, which means your dopamine level will be low. Having too much dopamine in your body will eventually cause depression or lack of motivation, which may ruin your mood and performance at work. Taking a break to eat a healthy snack or meal may boost your dopamine levels so you can return to work with more stamina.
7. Sleep
If you are having trouble sleeping, your dopamine level may become low. Thus, you end up feeling tired and unmotivated during work hours. You may have a lot of responsibilities at home that are causing stress and frustration. Get rid of the cause of the problem before it gets worse, and take some time off using vacation or personal days if possible. You can also use this time to focus on work instead of being bothered about the situation at home so that your dopamine level can go back to normal again even if it is not at its optimal level already.
Comments
Post a Comment