The brain is the central organ of our nervous system that is responsible for controlling all the other organs of the body, fulfilling cognitive and emotional functions.
We have become accustomed to perceiving that emotions and physical ailments are completely different and that the symptoms are caused by external agents that generate a reaction in us. But, although we sometimes lose sight of it, we are a whole, a system in which each part is linked to another and, therefore, what affects one will also affect another.
Many years of research have shown that emotions are closely linked to physical pain, which often works even with the same intensity as an external stimulus. For this reason, emotions and affective issues also have, in the body, a physical and chemical correlate, often invisible.
Because we are an integrity, issues such as attention, motivation and well-being are associated at a chemical level, which has to do with the amount of dopamine in the brain.
What is dopamine? A neurotransmitter, that is, a chemical substance that transmits information from one neuron to another, within the nervous system. It is linked to feelings of pleasure, motivation, attention and happiness; and its deficiency can affect mood, cognition, learning, concentration, movement and sleep.
Therefore, you can help improve these states by increasing their levels naturally; through things as simple as small changes in routine.
1. Adopt and respect a routine
If you organize yourself better, and plan complete goals or tasks per day, fulfilling them will generate positive effects on your dopamine levels. In addition, it will help you sleep well, respect your rest time and perform physical activity.
2. Be careful with stimulating foods
Both the excessive consumption of sugar and, for example, coffee, although they generate short-term satisfaction, they alter dopamine levels and that, over time, is harmful to the body and can cause addiction.
3. Focus on your favorite activities
Dedicate yourself to a project that you like, and awaken your creativity and enthusiasm, you will be helping to naturally increase the amount of dopamine in your body. Go out and do what you like the most!
4. Eat well
Foods such as avocado, almonds, bananas and green tea provide you with tyrosine, an essential amino acid to produce dopamine. Consuming them can naturally help boost your levels.
5. Move your body
Being physically active is one of the best ways to help produce dopamine, generate a feeling of well-being, and help improve your overall health. You don’t need to do a very intense activity; go ride your bike, take a half-hour walk, or find out what type of yoga is best for you.
6. Listen to the music you like
Accompany yourself with your favorite music; each sound will reach the brain and will be transformed into dopamine, and well-being for you. Learn how to use sound and music to heal your body.
7. Meditate
Meditation can help you reduce fear, tension, and stress; associated with dopamine deficiency. Learn a few ways to relax in just 5 minutes.