Latest posts by Derek Carroll (see all)
- Soup for the Soul: Healing Through Holistic Approaches - July 24, 2012
- 5 Reasons Why I Shop And Buy Online - July 22, 2012
- 5 Steps to Living a Happier And Healthier Life - October 19, 2011
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Have you been told what an apathetic bore you are? While the caustic remark was uncalled for, a part of you knows that what your friend said is true. You often feel lethargic, and are not driven to achieve anything in life. Your attitude is the cause of many problems in your work life and personal relationships.
You know that you have got to put a stop to it, but you do not know how. You also lack the motivation.
Dopamine may be your answer
Fret not. Dopamine is not a medicinal product that I’m trying to push here. It isn’t even a product. Dopamine is a brain chemical that affects our ability to feel emotions such as pain and joy. The reason for your lack of spark is not due to your laziness or incompetence. Simply put, your dopamine level is imbalanced. Dopamine-deficiency is why you could be taking a trip around Europe and not be fascinated by the sights and sounds.
Those who have an optimal level of dopamine in the brain are driven, ambitious people. With sufficient dopamine in the brain, you become mentally stimulated. Let’s take a closer look.
Getting to the Cause of the Problem
What do you do when you turn ill? You make a beeline for the clinic, and you sit and wait in the good company of your sick neighbors. The doctor prescribes a drug for you, which you diligently take for two weeks. You’re as good as brand new, until that is, your next illness onset.
The problem with modern medicine is that it doesn’t quite tackle the underlying problem. Drugs are meant to treat your symptoms or manage the diseases as they happen. But is your constitution getting better? Are you getting stronger? Not if you’re falling sick every month!
Going Natural to Fix Your Dopamine Level
The above analogy can be applied to finding a solution for a dopamine deficiency. If you are unhappy, then the most logical thing to do is to find ways to make yourself happy! The following tips will help you boost the production of dopamine, helping you to stimulate your brain chemicals.
Adopt a dopamine-rich diet
Do you know that some foods can trigger the release of dopamine? Foods such as miso, natto, fuyu, tempeh and yogurt can really do the trick. If you are not ready to start eating like a Japanese man, then include almonds, dairy products and avocados in your to-buy list.
A healthy diet is one that comprises food of all kinds. It goes without saying that you should have a generous portion of vegetables and fruits. Be sure to include proteins, fats and carbohydrates in your diet. There is no need to go on a fad diet; you want variety so that eating doesn’t become a boring chore.
Look out for foods that are high in Omega 3 fats; those will really up your dopamine production!
Start Working Out!
Apart from the obvious benefit of working out – a chiseled body to boast – working out is great psychologically speaking. After a long and intense workout, your brain will release endorphins, which are neurotransmitters not unlike dopamine. This is why you always feel a great wave of pure happiness after a workout. You feel accomplished, tired yes, but mighty proud of what you can do when you put your mind to it. That gives you an idea why programs like the P90X workout have become so popular in recent years.
If cardio is not your thing, then get a pair of Bowflex 552 dumbbells or similar, and start pumping away. Resistance training is just as tough and effective.
Stay off the Drugs
Drugs may temporarily stabilize your mood, but in the long run they do a lot of damage to your body. Our bodies are not genetically designed to withstand the effects of modern medicine, and as such, prolonged use of these drugs can damage the liver and lower our immune system. You also become an addict when you think you cannot function without the drugs, or when your first instinct is to pop a pill whenever you’re upset.
Relaxation is key
It doesn’t have a face, but we all know it: stress. Stress is inherent in our lives; it comes from various aspects: our jobs, mutual relationships and financial woes. Learn to fight stress; while it may not mean that your problem is over, it does give you a better perspective on how to tackle your problems head on.
Whenever you feel that the stress is too much, take a break and calm your mind. Take a walk, or even a jog. Sign up to a yoga class at your nearest community center and take your mind off things for the complete one hour. You will emerge re-energized.
Your Life, Your Decision
It is not difficult to be happy. Start by making simple lifestyle changes. Then, focus on the big picture. Do not live your life from day to day, pay check to pay check. What motivates you to get up every morning? What makes you want to be a better person and hit new strides?
Find out your true passion and then pursue it.
With sufficient amount of dopamine in your brain, you will find great success in your spiritual journey. Your mind is more focused and alert, and so you have a greater shot at succeeding! It all comes full circle.
