:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/happier-hobbies-puzzle-GettyImages-640367144-a89cffaab40145ccb88750f402121b5f.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "6 Hobbies That’ll Make You Happier")
The actions we take every day—whether dopamine-boosting or energy-depleting—have a direct impact on our mental health. In fact, a 2023 study showed that certain creative activities, such as gardening and arts and crafts, were associated with enhanced life satisfaction, especially during the five months of quarantine most of us remember clearly. Similarly, in winter, feelings of dissatisfaction and a lack of energy play a significant role in how we feel, according to licensed psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor.
“During this time of year, we’re craving something whether that is comfort food, social connection, or just an extra cup of coffee,” she says. “There is a scientific reason for this craving: our brain’s dopamine levels can dip in the cold, dark winter months.” You may be wondering what dopamine even is, how we can curb feelings of loneliness and discomfort, and actionable steps to take to help you feel better. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
- Dr. Leah Kaylor, PhD, is a licensed psychologist specializing in sleep and trauma
What Is Dopamine, Exactly?
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter often called the ‘feel-good’ chemical because it’s associated with motivation, pleasure, and reward,” Dr. Kaylor says. “During winter, shorter daylight hours and reduced sunlight exposure can lead to lower dopamine activity, leaving us feeling more fatigued and less motivated. This is why many of us crave dopamine-boosting behaviors, such as indulging in comfort foods or scrolling through social media.” And while scrolling through social media might sound like the solution to those winter blues, it’s better to lean into hands-on activities.
6 Dopamine-Boosting Hobbies You’ll Actually Enjoy
Add a New Twist to a Familiar Hobby
The places and activities you love might feel a bit too habitual—so why not add a unique twist? Rather than trying something entirely new (which can be daunting for many people), Dr. Kaylor suggests adding a twist to something you’re already familiar with. “The brain loves new and novel things,” she says. “Trying something new can give you a burst of dopamine. For example, try a new coffee shop, a new recipe, or a new skill. Anything that challenges the brain in a fresh way can sustain dopamine levels.”
Try Cold Exposure Therapy
If you pride yourself on being fairly tolerant of new sensations, Dr. Kaylor suggests trying cold exposure therapy. “It might sound counterintuitive, but taking a cold shower or plunging into a chilly body of water can trigger a dopamine rush,” she explains. “Cold exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system (the ‘rest and digest’ system) and leads to a significant spike in dopamine levels. This natural high can leave you feeling energized and mentally clear for hours afterward.”
Get Creative With Movement
You’ve likely heard that exercise is a happy hormone-boosting activity, but actually getting yourself to the gym can feel like a hassle. That’s why Dr. Kaylor suggests getting creative with the movement you choose: “Doing some outside of the box movement activities like jumping on a trampoline, dancing, rock climbing can be very effective because it engages both the brain and the body, giving off more sustained dopamine release,” she suggests.
Listen to Upbeat Music
Do you listen to your favorite songs while driving, making your daily commute, or as background noise? One way to implement your music of choice into your daily hobbies is by listening intentionally. “Pick the type of music based on what you need,” Dr. Kaylor says. “For example, choose upbeat, rhythmic music when you want to increase motivation. Conversely, pick calming music to help regulate your emotions and reduce stress.”
Start on a Puzzle
Puzzles are an incredibly effective way to activate our brain and reinforce our achievements—puzzles, or any logic-based activities, are an excellent way to trigger those feel-good hormones. “Activities like jigsaw puzzles not only put the brain’s problem-solving skills to good use, but also activates reward pathways in the brain leading to a sense of accomplishment,” Dr. Kaylor explains. “Each time a piece fits correctly, the brain experiences a small dopamine release, reinforcing motivation and pleasure. This process helps sustain focus and engagement, making puzzles an excellent way to stimulate mental reward pathways.”
Engage in Light Therapy
Although getting outside might be a challenging feat in winter, there are multiple ways to reap the benefits of sunlight, Dr. Kaylor explains. “If possible, spending time outside in the morning for natural light exposure can help,” she says. “For those in particularly dark climates, a […] light therapy lamp can mimic natural sunlight and support dopamine production.”
Source link
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/food-never-eat-for-breakfast-GettyImages-2200348550-68c7395823f84591a7d9bb0458812e38.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "9 Breakfast Foods That Could Be Making You Feel Sluggish by Noon")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rs-wayfair-mdw-main-deals-tout-fbb5c1e0ca3346639743e4f11b19c618.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "The 50 Best Wayfair Memorial Day Sales, Up to 85% Off")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rs-amazon-designer-bag-deals-tout-9371be26c18f480eb6c41fd2a9dce109.jpg?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "Coach, Kate Spade, and More Amazon Memorial Day Deals to Shop")