Social distancing alone can be extremely isolating and it’s easy to feel lonely. It’s actually the small things that can spark joy during this time. These things will help increase your endorphins and dopamine, so you’ll instantly feel happier.
Eat Something
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Well, it turns out that chocolate can release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which will boost your mood. So next time you feel down, eat a square or two of dark chocolate. If you prefer something savory, spicy foods have capsaicin and when you eat it, it sends a signal to your brain to relieve pain, which releases endorphins to make you feel good.
Smell Something
Smell has a major role in how we deal with stress and certain smells like vanilla, pine, and freshly cut grass can help you feel calmer.
Play Something
Music has the power to release emotions and the songs we listen to have a direct effect on the amount of dopamine released by our brain. Maybe that’s why we associate certain songs with breakups, romance, and happiness. The sounds of nature like rainstorms, babbling brooks, ocean waves, or wind rustling the leaves, will also help you relax.
