Feeling down lately? Dopamine is the “happy” neurotransmitter we associate with mood, memory, motivation, and movement. Low dopamine levels are connected with Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, addiction, depression, and other serious health issues.
If you want to become a healthier, more productive person this year, consider developing a low dopamine morning routine.
Not sure how to start? Read on to boost your dopamine levels with these five simple tips!
1. Drink Water
When you wake up in the morning, start your day with a full glass of water. Replenishing your water levels after sleeping can:
- Improve your skin health
- Boost your energy levels
- Stimulate your metabolism
- Fight toxins
- Ease pains
Throughout the day, try to drink half your body weight in ounces. Drinking water will help boost productivity levels and focus.
If you’re feeling dehydrated, however, you could struggle to function throughout the day.
2. Step Outside
Start your day with a little morning sunlight. Soaking up the sun’s rays within 30 minutes of waking up will reset your body’s circadian rhythm (your inner sleep clock). You’ll tell your brain it’s time to wake up, which can help you remain focused and productive.
Sunlight can also help the body naturally produce serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter associated with sleep, emotion, and our moods.
3. Consume Protein
You are what you eat. Boost your dopamine levels with a high-protein breakfast.
Skipping breakfast can affect your energy levels, leaving you drowsy or even angry later.
Don’t choose sugary breakfast options, which can cause you to crash and burn. Instead, choose foods that are rich in protein, including:
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Oats
- Low-fat meats
- Peanut butter
Since these foods take a while to digest, they can keep you full longer.
Try to eat goods that are high in tyrosine or magnesium. These dopamine building blocks can boost your daily dopamine levels. You can increase dopamine levels with foods like almonds, apples, bananas, green leafy veggies, pumpkin seeds, and chicken.
Supplements like magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D, B5, and B6, and l-theanine can also increase dopamine levels. You can find more on brain boosting pills here.
4. Choose Low-Stress Tasks
Try to avoid starting your day with high-intensity tasks. Instead, start small and work your way up. For example, you can:
- Make your bed
- Stretch
- Go for a walk
- Make a daily to-do list
- Write in a journal
- Organize your space
- Clean up
Try to stay off your phone for at least an hour after waking up.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Reduce your stress levels with mindfulness or meditation practices. These practices can calm your mind while setting a positive tone for the remainder of the day.
Consider doing a little yoga to wake your body up. Yoga can calm your mind while reducing morning stiffness.
Otherwise, listen to music or try breathing exercises.
Develop Your Low Dopamine Morning Routine Today
A low dopamine morning routine will allow you to start your day on the best possible foot. Use these tips to develop a morning routine of your own. As your dopamine levels rise, you can plan for a more productive day.
Searching for more tips?
Check out our latest articles for more advice.