Lockdown Mood lifting Tips

Soo..

We need to talk about that online shopping addiction you’ve been trying to kick (even after you’ve been allowed outside of your house). Just put down the credit card and no one gets hurt.

Insert Dopamine, the chemical our brain produces that makes us feel good when we do certain things. Experiences, like eating good food, winning a game, drinking alcohol, getting a pay check or buying a new pair of shoes are all examples of things we do that can give us that rewarding hit of dopamine.

But notice the common thread: They are all reliant on external sources to give us that happy hit.

Now, I’m not here to tell you that you need to stop doing all of these things. But It’s important to check in and ask ourselves… why?

Are we buying that new bag because we need a new one and we’ve had our eye on it for ages? Or are we buying it because we want the instant feeling of satisfaction it’s going to bring us…

Particularly during knockdown’s online shopping rises as we are around home more, on screens more and as a general rule the feelings of flatness are greater.

There’s nothing wrong with some instant gratification now and then!

But when we rely on external sources for our happiness more often than not, there could be a deeper issue. Let’s look at some ways to boost dopamine that don’t involve our credit cards…

Dopamine makes us feel good, here’s how to get some while around the house

Do-

- Exercise (dance, your local Gym or PT probably has an online workout.

- Meditate - I love Tenille Bentley tracks on Spotify or Itunes,

- Self given foot or hand massage

- Get enough sleep - Its temping to stay up. give the yourself the gift of an early night.

- Eat dopamine boosting foods - see below.

Don’t

- Forego sleep

- Eat foods high in Sugar and Saturated fat

‘Healthy diet’ seems to be slapped on to the end of every list these days as one of the magical solutions to our problems. Buts let’s be specific.

If we’re talking boosting dopamine levels, you’re going to want to focus on foods that are rich in L-Tyrosine (the protein needed to make dopamine).

Some good sources are

- Almonds

- Avocado

- Banana

- Eggs

- Beef

- Chicken

- Turmeric

Quick and simple generous serve of blanched spinach with eggs and avocado is a great start to your dopamine loving day.

Phone and online appointments are always available. reach out for support when required.

Kacey Grieves -Naturopath

Perth Australia - 08 9332 1119