The good news? When you modify your daily routine in small ways, you can increase the neurotransmitter dopamine. One of the main effects of dopamine is boosting feelings of happiness and pleasure.[1] You hold the power to create your own happiness!
Here’s how.
What Is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a “feel good” neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.[1] Like all neurotransmitters, dopamine transmits messages between nerve cells in the brain and body. It works with another feel-good neurotransmitter — serotonin.
Higher levels of dopamine in the brain result in a positive mood. This means there is a relationship between the amount of dopamine your body releases and how happy you feel.[1] That means that by changing small things in your life, you can boost your body’s dopamine production and essentially create your own happiness!
There are many ways to increase dopamine levels and create happiness for yourself. Here are our best suggestions.
Practice Positivity and Gratitude
Meditate
You may not be able to buy happiness, but you can create your own! Lifestyle choices like positive thinking, filling your day with things you love, getting enough sleep, treating yourself to a mood-lifting massage, meditating, and exercising regularly can boost dopamine — and your happiness.
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