Dopamine Menu: Positivity Ready to Order
This restaurant has everything you love on the menu, how could you say no?!
You may have heard of dopamine menus as they have blown up on social media lately, but ever wondered what they are?
What it is and why it is useful
What is Dopamine? Dopamine is often called the “feel-good” hormone. Dopamine is triggered in our brain after activities that bring us pleasure or satisfaction. This triggers the reward pathway. Engaging in dopamine-inducing activities can reduce signs of anxiety and depression. We can use the science behind dopamine to find ways to implement it into our routines. A dopamine menu has proved to be helpful for those with ADD/ADHD to reward themselves for completing tasks. These are great ways to recharge your social battery and boost your serotonin.
How to create your own
Building your dopamine menu is simple. The following explains each section of the menu and some examples of items to list on your menu. Feel free to tailor the menu to what you enjoy and what activities bring you joy!
Appetizers
Appetizers are quick and easy activities that you can do throughout the day to bring you joy. These activities are easy to do at home and without spending money. These can be things like a 10-minute stretching break, having a snack, making your bed, cuddling your pet, or drinking a coffee. You can start your day on a positive note and keep the good vibes going for the rest of your afternoon.
Entrees
Entrees require you to carve out more time and may require some planning to complete. These activities are roughly a few hours long. Going on a walk or going to the gym, thrifting/antique shopping, hanging out with friends, reading a few chapters of a book, or cooking a nice meal for yourself are examples of entrees.
Sides
You can never go wrong with a great side. These are activities that can accompany other activities or tasks. Lighting a candle while working on homework, listening to music or podcasts while you clean, or running errands with a friend can help make boring or strenuous tasks more enjoyable.
Desserts
Who doesn’t love dessert? These are more of your guilty pleasures. Whether you are scrolling on social media, online shopping, or treating yourself to some real dessert, these are great ways to indulge a little.
Specials
These can be things that are more of an investment and are for special occasions. Specials include planning a trip, buying something off your wishlist, or buying concert tickets to see your favorite band.
Create your menu by hand and pin it around your house for easy access to remind you to savor the little things!
Be Well, Auburn.
Sources:
https://theeverygirl.com/dopamine-menu-to-boost-mood/
https://theconversation.com/dopamine-menus-the-science-behind-the-trend-and-how-it-might-help-people-with-adhd-218970
Born in Connecticut, raised in Marietta, Georgia, Erika is a senior studying graphic design. Once stepping foot on campus, she immediately knew Auburn was her home. She has goals to pursue branding, advertising, and package design.
Outside of school, she loves driving around singing music over her radio, lounging around the house with her roommates, or spending time with her friends playing pick-up games. Erika loves to create and share her passion for art with others, even selling her artwork on Redbubble. And when she isn’t sketching, she is most likely getting in a workout between classes. Her love of sports and fitness has been unwavering ever since she was a kid. Playing three varsity-level sports in high school, including volleyball, lacrosse, and swimming, she has always been on the move. There is almost no sport she hasn’t tried yet!
