Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Fifi Kiwan, discusses dopamine, the brain’s most celebrated ‘feel-good’ chemical, and how it affects us and what we can do to keep our levels in check.
What Is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a fancy term for a chemical messenger that helps transmit signals in the brain. Think of it as a little courier, delivering messages between neurons (brain cells) to help regulate various functions in your body. It plays a crucial role in mood, motivation, reward and even movement.
When you accomplish something, like finishing that Netflix series you’ve been binging or successfully cooking a new dish, your brain releases dopamine. This momentary rush of joy is your brain’s way of saying: “Well done! Let’s do that again!”
The Bright Side of Dopamine
Dopamine is like the cheerleader of your brain. Here’s how it positively impacts your life:
1. Motivation & Reward: Dopamine drives you to pursue goals. It’s that little voice that whispers ‘You can do it!’ when you’re tackling a project or trying to hit the gym. The more you achieve, the more dopamine you get, creating a satisfying cycle of motivation.
2. Mood Regulation: A healthy level of dopamine contributes to a positive mood. When you feel happy and content, it’s often thanks to this little chemical helping you out.
3. Learning & Memory: Dopamine is essential for learning. It helps reinforce behaviours that lead to positive outcomes, making you more likely to repeat those actions.
The Dark Side of Dopamine
However, too much of a good thing can be … well, not so good. Here’s how an excess of dopamine can lead to trouble:
1. Addiction: High levels of dopamine can be linked to addictive behaviours. When drugs, alcohol or even sugar flood your brain with dopamine, it can lead to a cycle of craving and dependency. Your brain starts to crave that high, making it harder to feel pleasure from everyday activities.
2. Mood Disorders: An imbalance in dopamine levels can contribute to conditions like depression and anxiety. Too little dopamine can leave you feeling unmotivated and blue, while too much can lead to heightened anxiety or even manic episodes.
How to Get a Healthy Infusion of Dopamine
So, how can you keep your dopamine levels balanced and thriving? Here are some simple, witty tips:
1. Exercise: Get moving! Physical activity boosts dopamine levels and releases those feel-good endorphins. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a dance party in your living room, shake it up!
2. Eat Right: Foods rich in tyrosine, an amino acid that helps produce dopamine, can be your best friends. Think bananas, avocados, eggs and nuts. Snack smart and your brain will thank you.
3. Sleep Well: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Quality rest is crucial for maintaining dopamine levels. So, put down that phone and catch those Z’s!
4. Set Achievable Goals: Break tasks into bite-sized pieces. Completing small goals can give you that dopamine boost without the rollercoaster of addiction.
5. Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. This simple practice can increase your dopamine levels and improve your overall mood.
Dopamine is a double-edged sword – essential for motivation and happiness, yet capable of leading us astray if we’re not careful. By understanding how it works and incorporating healthy habits into our daily lives, we can enjoy the sweet rewards of dopamine without the pitfalls. So go ahead, chase those dreams, celebrate your wins, and keep that dopamine flowing!
Fifi Kiwan is the Partner and Managing Director of the first Cognitive Brain Training Centre in Bahrain (Brainy Nation). She is also a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) with a dual master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis.
She has worked with a multitude of individuals with Neurodevelopment Disabilities ranging from the age of two to 22 using Applied Behaviour Analysis. She has over 17 years of experience in the field of delivering services in a wide range of settings such as homes, schools and centres.
Now a pioneer in the field of cognitive training in Bahrain, she aspires to help change the lives of people by enhancing their cognitive skills.
