Introduction
Every morning, as the sun rises, we’re given a new opportunity to start our day on the right foot. The latest morning routine trend that’s taking over TikTok is the low dopamine morning routine. This routine is designed to help you maintain your dopamine levels low in the morning, priming your subconscious for a less distracted day.
Understanding Dopamine and Its Role in Our Lives
Dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in how we feel pleasure. It’s a big part of our unique human ability to think and plan. People with ADHD often have different dopamine levels, which can affect their mood and focus. Here are some ways to increase dopamine levels naturally
Dopamine is more than just a feel-good hormone. It’s the experience of wanting, the anticipation of something we desire. As said by Kent Berridge, a professor at the University of Michigan, dopamine is released when we do things that are done to survive, like eating and spending time with loved ones.
The Importance of a Morning Routine
A morning routine is a powerful way to start your day and set the tone for the rest of the day. It’s a wellness practice that has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, with many users sharing their unique routines. The morning routine trend is not just about doing tasks; it’s about creating a space for yourself first thing in the morning to set your intentions for the day.
Low Dopamine Morning Routine: What Is It?
The low dopamine morning routine is a new kind of morning routine that focuses on low-stimulation activities like sitting quietly, reading, or completing small household chores like unloading the dishwasher . The idea is to avoid activities that cause a dopamine hit, like scrolling through your phone for at least an hour after waking up.
This routine is especially beneficial for people with ADHD, as it helps to regulate dopamine levels and reduce distractions throughout the day. The low dopamine morning routine could be the key to a healthier, more focused day.
Key Components of a Low Dopamine Morning Routine
The low dopamine morning routine involves a series of low-stimulation activities first thing in the morning. These activities include:
- Avoiding your phone : This is probably the hardest part for most people, but it’s crucial. Looking at your phone first thing in the morning can cause a spike in dopamine levels, which can make you feel distracted all day.
- Completing small tasks: Activities like making your bed or unloading the dishwasher can give you a sense of accomplishment without causing a big dopamine hit.
- Eating a high protein breakfast : This can help regulate your dopamine and cortisol levels, setting you up for a balanced day.
- Practicing mindfulness: This can be done through meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes. This helps to keep your dopamine levels low and sets a calm tone for the day.
The idea behind the low dopamine morning routine is to engage in activities that don’t give you a big dopamine hit, so you can maintain a steady level of dopamine throughout the day.
How to Start Your Day with a Low Dopamine Morning Routine
Starting your day with a low dopamine morning routine is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- As soon as you get out of bed , resist the urge to check your phone. Instead, start your day with a glass of water and a few minutes of quiet time.
- Complete a small task, like making your bed or unloading the dishwasher. This gives you a sense of accomplishment without causing a big dopamine hit.
- Prepare a high protein breakfast. This can help regulate your dopamine and cortisol levels, setting you up for a balanced day.
- Spend at least an hour in the morning without looking at your phone or engaging in high-stimulation activities. This helps to keep your dopamine levels low and sets a calm tone for the day.
- Finally, take a few minutes to set your intentions for the day. This can be done through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes.
By following these steps, you can start your day with a low dopamine morning routine and set yourself up for a successful, less distracted day.
Morning Routine Examples
There are many ways to incorporate a low dopamine morning routine into your life. Here are a few examples:
- The “Mindful Morning”: This routine involves starting your day with a few minutes of meditation, followed by a high protein breakfast and a small task like making your bed.
- The “Productive Morning”: This routine involves starting your day with a small task, followed by a high protein breakfast and a few minutes of planning your day.
- The “Quiet Morning”: This routine involves starting your day with a few minutes of quiet time, followed by a high protein breakfast and a small task like making your bed.
Each of these routines is designed to keep your dopamine levels low in the morning, setting you up for a successful, less distracted day.
The Impact of a Low Dopamine Morning Routine on People with ADHD
People with ADHD often struggle with distractions and maintaining focus. A low dopamine morning routine can be especially beneficial for these individuals. By starting the day with low-stimulation activities, they can help regulate their dopamine levels and set themselves up for a more focused day.
In a study by the University of Michigan, researchers found that people with ADHD who followed a low dopamine morning routine reported feeling more focused and less distracted throughout the day. This suggests that a low dopamine morning routine could be a helpful tool for people with ADHD.
In conclusion, a low dopamine morning routine is a powerful way to start your day and set the tone for a successful, less distracted day. Whether you have ADHD or simply want to feel more focused and less distracted, a low dopamine morning routine could be the key to a healthier, more focused day.
Conclusion
The low dopamine morning routine is more than just a TikTok trend; it’s a wellness practice that can help you start your day on the right foot and set the tone for the rest of the day. By engaging in low-stimulation activities first thing in the morning, you can help regulate your dopamine levels and set yourself up for a successful, less distracted day. Whether you have ADHD or simply want to feel more focused and less distracted, a low dopamine morning routine could be the key to a healthier, more focused day.
So why not give it a try? Start your day with a low dopamine morning routine and see how it can transform your mornings and your life.
FAQs
What is a low dopamine morning routine?
A low-dopamine morning routine is a new trend that involves starting your day with low-stimulation activities to help regulate dopamine levels. This routine is designed to avoid activities that cause a dopamine hit first thing in the morning, such as checking your phone or watching TV.
Why do I wake up with no dopamine?
Waking up with low dopamine levels can be due to a variety of factors, including poor sleep, stress, and certain health conditions like ADHD. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, motivation, and attention, and its levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day.
How do you deal with low dopamine days?
Dealing with low dopamine days involves engaging in activities that can help boost your dopamine levels. This can include eating a high-protein breakfast, exercising, completing small tasks, and practicing mindfulness. Avoiding high-stimulation activities like checking your phone first thing in the morning can also help.
What is an example of a low dopamine morning routine?
An example of a low-dopamine morning routine could involve waking up, drinking a glass of water, making your bed, preparing a high-protein breakfast, and then spending at least an hour without looking at your phone or engaging in high-stimulation activities.
What is a dopamine-free morning?
A dopamine-free morning, also known as a low-dopamine morning, is a morning routine that avoids activities that cause a big dopamine hit. This can include avoiding technology, eating a healthy breakfast, and completing small tasks.
What to do on low dopamine days ADHD?
On low dopamine days, individuals with ADHD can benefit from a low-dopamine morning routine. This can involve avoiding high-stimulation activities, eating a high-protein breakfast, completing small tasks, and practicing mindfulness.
How do you fix low dopamine levels?
Fixing low dopamine levels can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, ensuring you get enough sleep, and practicing stress management techniques. It’s also important to avoid high-stimulation activities first thing in the morning.
Why do I wake up with low dopamine?
Waking up with low dopamine can be due to a variety of factors, including poor sleep, stress, and certain health conditions like ADHD. Starting your day with a low-dopamine morning routine can help regulate your dopamine levels and set a positive tone for the day.
