Feel Happy

Dopamine is a feel-happy brain chemical. When we’re happy, dopamine runs around, keeping us that way. Lots of things cause our brains to make it. Here are a few:

• helping someone

• listening to music

• reading

• playing a game

• talking with friends

• exercising

• going for a walk

• watching the ocean

Most likely, you can add lots more. By the way, that last one–the ocean? Watching the ocean uses your eyes, but you can use your other four senses while you do it.

If you close your eyes, your ears will take over. The sound of waves breaking can be relaxing.

Smell, taste and feel also work. Salty sea air has a pleasant smell. Sometimes, it is so strong you can taste it. You get to taste more of it if a sudden wave knocks you over. Sand has a unique texture that feels pleasant between your toes.

Of course, you can use all your senses if you walk in a forest or the mountains.

Anywhere there’s more nature and less factory-made stuff.

That’s probably why walking along a city footpath isn’t as calming. You might live in a city far from the beach or forests. You might find city noise soothing. If you do, welcome to the dopamine rush.