7 of the Best Ways to Increase Dopamine, Focus & Energy
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Parris Kidd
Do you feel like you don’t have enough energy to get through the day?
Is it hard to finish things once you’ve started them?
Do you find it hard to concentrate?
Have you lost your zest for life?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to increase dopamine levels.
What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is one of the most well-known neurotransmitters in the human brain. It is the main brain chemical messenger responsible for making us feel motivated. Dopamine delivers a sense of satisfaction in our mind after accomplishing a task. It also is released when playing sports, learning something new, finishing a task or project, or getting the big promotion at work.
Often called the “motivation molecule,” dopamine provides the drive and focus we all need in order to be productive.¹ It is heavily involved with our attention span, focus, follow-through, and the ability to experience pleasure.
However, if we are deficient in dopamine levels, it can potentially cause an imbalance in our life. A lack of dopamine is associated with the following consequences:
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- Fatigue
- Apathy
- Lack of focus
- Forgetfulness
- Moodiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep issues
- Sugar cravings
- Lower motivation
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Dopamine-dominant people are usually focused go-getters. Unfortunately, many of the things that people do to boost their focus and energy end up backfiring. There are many unhealthy ways to seek out a “dopamine fix.” For example, anything addicting like nicotine, caffeine, and sugar-laden, fat-filled treats are all very effective at increasing dopamine levels and can, in turn, be the root cause of addictive behavior in our life.
However, these things that provide a quick boost end up disrupting the natural dopamine production process resulting in decreased dopamine production in the long-term.
So, what are some safe, natural ways to boost your dopamine levels? Here are 7 of the best ways to increase dopamine naturally…
7 Ways to Naturally Increase Dopamine Levels
1. Eat Foods Rich in Tyrosine
In order to make dopamine, your body needs tyrosine which can be found in almonds, bananas, avocados, eggs, beans, fish, and chicken.
2. Exercise Regularly
In general, physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. It increases the production of new brain cells, slows down brain cell aging, can increase your levels of dopamine.² Exercise has also been associated with improved mood and overall a better outlook on life.
3. Learn to Meditate
The overall health benefits of meditation have been demonstrated through hundreds of research studies. Many of those have shown that meditation increases dopamine leading to improved focus and concentration. Even if you’re new to meditation, there are many helpful guided meditations for beginners to help you get started. Check out Dr. Amen’s podcast on the positive benefits of meditation for our brains.
4. Get a Massage
It has long been suggested that one way to keep dopamine levels high is to avoid stress, which is nearly impossible in this day and age. To counter the effects of stress, research has demonstrated that massage therapy³ increases dopamine levels by nearly 30% while decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone) levels.
5. Sleep
To ensure that your brain increases dopamine naturally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. This includes setting aside time before bed away from the computer or TV screen. Sleep helps all the cells in the body repair and renew. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day and helps keep the nerve cell connections and pathways active and constantly self-renewing. Lack of sleep has been shown to reduce concentrations of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, and their receptors.
6. Listen to Music
It is no surprise that listening to calming music can increase pleasurable feelings, improve mood, reduce stress, and help with focus and concentration. Research⁴ has demonstrated that much of this is achieved due to an increase in dopamine levels.
7. Supplements
BrainMD’s Focus and Energy is a multiple mechanism formula containing three special adaptogens known to promote healthy dopamine levels.* Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and panax ginseng are combined with decaffeinated green tea and choline to promote improved focus and increased energy while enhancing endurance and stamina.* Focus & Energy is safe, natural, and non-habit forming.* It’s the perfect way to naturally increase dopamine levels so you can feel energized, productive, and alert.*
As a company firmly rooted in science, we use only clinically researched ingredients that create real results. Here are some of the benefits of taking Focus & Energy:
- A healthy, balanced response to everyday stress*
- Improved concentration, focus and productivity*
- Healthy, sustained energy levels*
- A more positive approach to life*
Enjoy all-day alertness and productivity without the jitters or crash from caffeine.
Try Focus & Energy today!
References:
- 7 of the Best Ways to Increase Dopamine, Focus & Energy -
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- Top Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting & How to Make it Work for You -
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