Dopamine

I’ve been exploring in my own experience and the ways in which I apply activity, routine and ritual to give me the dopamine hit I’m searching for. I’m curious about what those decisions are when on an internal autopilot.

I love movement, fuelling my body, and my work fills me with a huge amount of endorphins and fulfilment (I’m super lucky in this way). Doing Dry January forced me to consider what it is, metaphorically and literally, that I’m reaching for, seeking comfort from, needing soothing or to celebrate. Removing alcohol from my life has brought so much clarity and a renewed focus for 2024 to be my healthiest yet. So Dry Winter was a great next step. The half marathon happens to be on 31st March, the end of Winter, so I’ll decide them how the rest of 2024 will shape up.

Instead of unwinding with the occasional wine and snacks, I’ve switched the content but kept the ritual. Chasing natural ways of getting a slow dopamine release, as opposed to short lived and short lasting that you can readily get from super-processed, sugar-laden foods and drinks.

Morning movement, seeing the sunrise, hydrating and nourishing my body, reading books for escapism, adventure and learning, long walks and talks with good friends, walking the dog, connecting with family. These things sustain me, energise me, soothe and comfort me.

But also, I’ve learned that instead of always striving and grabbing moments, when I’m more still, when I listen to my own internal compass, I can sustain, energise, soothe and comfort myself, just with the power of breath work and meditation. My own yoga practice is also an anchor, a continuous learning practice that humbles and teaches me daily about myself and the human experience.

I seek pleasure that requires nothing more than myself, my ability to run, swim, stretch, hug, help others and I’ve come to realise that this is the best dopamine.