The internet is a treasure trove for discovering new music to new videos. A simple dopamine booster is browsing Pinterest or even Amazon for new products and items.             – endless events

While surfing the internet I ran across an article titled 10 WAYS YOU CAN INCREASE DOPAMINE LEVELS IN THE BRAIN WITHOUT MEDICATION on the website dailynaturalcures.*   I eagerly read the article to find out what magic tricks would help release some more much-needed dopamine into my poor brain.  

Basically, the author says that we get a release of dopamine when we receive a reward of any kind.  The more we are rewarded, the more dopamine is released.  And what are those rewards?  One obvious example:  a trip to Vegas can give you a big dopamine rush, especially if you win.  My MDS (Movement Disorders Specialist) once told me that the reason we get addicted to games on our phones, tablets or computers is because of the instant feedback (think reward) that causes a small dopamine rush.   But rewards don’t have to be something measurable.  It can be the satisfaction of getting something done, creating something, etc.   

The article goes on to differentiate between addiction, where you need to seek more and more rewards to feel fulfilled, probably as a result of some past trauma in your life,  and working towards rewarding actions to create fulfillment and achievement.

Another article from Endless Events lists 10 WAYS TO INCREASE DOPAMINE TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY.  The author suggests many of the same things from a different point of view.  The bottom line is that there are many things you can do to increase the dopamine release in your brain, but please, do not look at this as a substitute for medical care.

A little more internet surfing (and many more dopamine releases later) turned up numerous articles and some hilarious videos – one narrated by a robotic voice (watch here )- on how you can increase the dopamine in your brain.  Everyone has some “snake oil” cure for you.  Read at your own risk.

So here are some of things the two articles mentioned above suggest to increase dopamine:

• Make a checklist for your small stuff each day.  Just getting through the list each day is a reward
• Exercise
• Do something creative – draw, paint, write, etc.  Many Parkie’s have found new creative outlets which really do make them feel better.
• Listen to music
• Meditate
• Increase your Tyrosine – foods like Almonds, Avocados, Bananas, Chicken, Chocolate, Coffee, etc.
• Take supplements – but be careful with these.  Some may interact with your medications, so check with your doctor first.

I would like to add a few more ideas:

• Eat more chocolate- it contains small amounts of a compound called phenylethylamine, stimulating your brain cells to release dopamine.  (And it’s a reward!  Well, sort of.)
• Laugh a lot (thank you Yuma Bev)
• Hug your spouse, your children or grandchildren
• Take your dog for a walk
• Curl up on the sofa and read a good book
• Finish the Sunday crossword puzzle, or solve that really hard Sudoku game
• Learn something new:  a new language, music lessons, a new skill
• Celebrate each birthday, anniversary or other special date with those you love.
• Finally, just make time for yourself and do what ever you want.  Pamper yourself. With chocolate of course.