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6 Hobbies That Naturally Boost Dopamine-and Your Mood, According to Psychologists
Real Simple • • health
Key Points:
- A 2023 study found that creative activities like gardening and arts and crafts boost life satisfaction, especially during quarantine, while winter months often bring decreased energy and dissatisfaction due to lower dopamine levels.
- Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and pleasure, tends to dip in winter because of reduced sunlight, leading to cravings for comfort and social connection.
- Licensed psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor recommends natural ways to boost dopamine, including adding novelty to familiar hobbies, trying cold exposure therapy, and engaging in creative physical activities like dancing or rock climbing.
- Other effective dopamine-enhancing methods include listening to upbeat music, solving puzzles to stimulate brain reward pathways, and using light therapy lamps or morning sunlight exposure to compensate for limited natural light in
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