That's Dope!

Would you like an extra hit of dopamine this week? Then set a goal and reach it. Achieving a goal isn’t just about hard work and discipline. It also trigger dopamine, the feel good hormone.

So what is dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter synthesized by your body from the dietary intake of an amino acid called tyrosine, found in protein-rich foods such as meats and cheeses. Dopamine is also a precursor molecule to two other important body chemicals--epinephrine and norepinephrine, sometimes called adrenaline and noradredaline. The brain and nervous system utilize neurotransmitters to send messages in the form of electrochemical impulses throughout your body and, thus, regulate all of your body's functions. http://www.livestrong.com

However, it’s the unexpected that gets the most results. If you achieve the same goal again and again it’s not going to have the same impact. Just like always ordering your favorite dish at a restaurant. You may have been delighted the first time but eventually you’ll get used to it and less excited. Sort of like sex. Too much vanilla and it gets old.

And too much of anything can lead to trouble. The feel-good from alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex can lead to addiction. The chase for the high.

So challenge yourself! Change it up. Go the extra step. If you have a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Bound) goal like getting the house work done on Saturday morning, break it down by steps and mix it up or add something new. It might make it easier and give you a boost to boot.

My goal this week of saying hello to all my co-workers is going well. I have to remind myself before I open the door to the building but that helps to put me in the present moment and “be there” as I walk through the office. That’s a good thing!

#dope #dopamine #hormones #goals