I still live at home, and I’m 23 at this point. Coupled with an awful economy, a housing crisis in my city, and the fact that I’m too scared to be broke once I’m on my own,I just can’t leave home yet. So most days, I find myself sitting at home, doom-scrolling, or watching reruns of Friends instead of spending my free time doing something I love, which leaves me feeling tired, unmotivated, or sad.
So imagine my joy when I found out you could make what is essentially a happiness cheat sheet—a go-to list of little things that instantly lift your mood and make life feel a little brighter. That’s exactly what a dopamine menu is! It’s like curating a personalized playlist of joy, designed to naturally boost your dopamine levels and keep you feeling your best.
So, grab your favorite cozy drink, settle in, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about dopamine menus, why they work, and how to create your very own happiness-boosting routine!
Also Read: These 12 Easy Tips Will Reduce Your Stress Levels All Together
How Does Dopamine Work?
Dopamine is basically your brain’s “feel-good” chemical. It’s the reason why checking off your to-do list, enjoying a delicious meal, or even getting a text from someone you like feels so satisfying. Your brain rewards you with dopamine when you do things that bring you joy, motivation, and pleasure.
But the trick is to find healthy ways to keep those levels steady rather than chasing quick dopamine hits (hello, doom scrolling!).
What Is A Dopamine Menu?
Think of a dopamine menu as your personal happiness toolkit—a curated collection of activities, foods, and habits that naturally boost your dopamine levels. Instead of relying on sugar, doom-scrolling, or impulse shopping for quick mood fixes, a dopamine menu helps you build long-term happiness in a way that actually nourishes your brain.
While you can create and use it no matter your mental health status, the actual concept originated from a YouTube video made by Jessica McCabe, who shared the concept as a way to help people with ADHD get the stimulation their brains need to get more dopamine.
Just like any other menu, a “dopamine menu” is sectioned into: appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. The idea behind the menu is for each section to contain a list of dopamine-boosting activities for different situations and needs.
As the idea has taken off, some people are creating separate dopamine menus for mornings, evenings, and weekends, or even for different days of the week. The point is to make it your own based on activities that bring you joy and to change it as you see fit.
Why Is It Effective for Dopamine Levels?
A well-balanced dopamine menu keeps you feeling motivated, energized, and content without those dreaded crashes. Unlike instant gratification, which can leave you feeling drained, these intentional dopamine boosts help you feel happier in a sustainable way.
It’s all about choosing activities that give you steady, feel-good vibes rather than quick spikes followed by a slump.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that when you get a big rush of dopamine, you’re more likely to either keep repeating the same activity to chase that feel-good boost or jump to another dopamine-triggering habit.
That’s why it’s so easy to get stuck in cycles like doom scrolling, binge-watching Netflix, or reaching for late-night snacks. A dopamine menu, on the other hand, helps you focus on healthy, long-lasting ways to boost dopamine—so you’re not constantly hopping from one quick fix to the next.
Activities like exercising, spending time with friends, or dancing to your favorite playlist offer steady, sustainable dopamine boosts, while things like sugary snacks or treats give you a quick hit but fade fast.
How to Create Your Own Personalized Dopamine Menu
Let’s build your ultimate dopamine menu! The key is variety, you know the spice of life—mixing in different activities that stimulate dopamine naturally. But before we get started, earlier I mentioned appetizers, entrees, and desserts, let’s look into what those mean first.
Appetizers
Think of appetizers as those little pick-me-ups that give you an instant mood boost without taking up too much time. These are the quick, easy ways to sprinkle some joy into your day—like glancing at a favorite photo on your desk, taking five minutes to meditate, enjoying your go-to afternoon snack, making yourself a cozy cup of coffee, or getting in some cuddle time with your partner or pet. Perfect for when you need a quick reset!
Entrees
Now, the main course is all about the feel-good activities that take a little more time but leave you feeling fully recharged. These are the things you might need to plan for, but they’re totally worth it—like a dinner date with your bestie, a long, refreshing walk, cooking up your favorite meal, or getting crafty with a fun DIY project. These are the moments that fill your cup and keep the good vibes flowing.
Sides
Sides are those little mood boosters that make the not-so-fun tasks way more enjoyable. Think of them as the perfect add-ons to everyday chores—like listening to a podcast while folding laundry, lighting a candle while tackling your inbox, or calling a friend to catch up while running errands. They don’t take extra effort, but they make the mundane feel a little more exciting.
Desserts
Desserts are the guilty pleasures—the things you absolutely love but need to enjoy in moderation. They’re not “bad,” but too much of them can throw things off balance. Think online shopping, scrolling through social media, snacking on your favorite treats, or getting lost in a TV binge session. The key is to savor them without overindulging!
Specials
Specials are those rare, treat-yourself moments that don’t happen every day but feel extra special when they do. They might take a little more time or money, but they’re totally worth it—like booking a spa day, going on a weekend getaway, or catching a comedy show. These are the experiences that leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, making them even more exciting when they finally roll around.
Let’s build your ultimate dopamine menu!
Dopamine Menu Morning Routine
Mornings set the tone for your day, so make them count! Try adding these to your routine:
- A few minutes of stretching or light exercise
- Sunlight exposure (even if it’s just sipping your coffee by the window!)
- Listening to upbeat music or a motivational podcast
- A quick journal entry—write down one small goal for the day!
Balanced Meals & Dopamine Diet
Food is fuel, and eating the right nutrients helps your brain produce dopamine efficiently. Include:
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, or tofu (amino acids = dopamine boosters!)
- Healthy fats like avocados and nuts to support brain health
- Dark chocolate (yes, really!) for a natural dopamine lift
Dopamine Activities to Try
Not all dopamine hits have to come from food! Activities that give you a natural boost include:
- Creative hobbies like painting, writing, or dancing
- Learning something new—pick up a new skill or listen to an interesting audiobook
- Physical movement, whether it’s yoga, weightlifting, or a fun dance session
- Social time! Calling a friend or spending quality time with loved ones
Dopamine Dressing: Wear Your Happiness
Did you know your wardrobe can boost your mood? Dopamine dressing is all about wearing colors, textures, and outfits that make you feel amazing. Whether it’s a bold red sweater, a cozy pair of socks, or a dress that makes you feel unstoppable, your outfit can be a powerful mood booster.
Dopamine Fasting: Reset Your Brain
Sometimes, the best way to increase dopamine is to take a break from over-stimulation. Dopamine fasting involves stepping away from instant gratification triggers—think social media, junk food, or binge-watching shows—for a set period of time. Instead, focus on slow, intentional activities that allow your brain to reset and find joy in the simple things.
Building a dopamine menu is like creating your own personalized happiness recipe. By filling your days with meaningful, feel-good activities, you’ll not only boost your mood but also create long-term happiness habits that keep you feeling amazing.
So, what’s on your dopamine menu? Time to start crafting a routine that truly lights you up!
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