my dopamine menu

In case you missed it, there has been a trend doing the rounds on TikTok that involves making a menu of things that bring you joy and recharges your battery.

So, here's mine:

01  Getting outside

I will instantly feel lighter once I have got myself outside on a walk. When things can feel overwhelming, sometimes a change of environment is helpful - no one should be looking at the same four walls all day.

02  Coffee dates

Basic but all too true. Meeting the gals for an overpriced coffee and (usually slightly stale) banana bread will never not be on my list.

03  Journaling

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Although penning down your deepest feelings in a diary may work for some, it has never worked for me. I have recently found a great digital alternative. Since downloading the app Journal on my phone, I have been voice noting into it random thoughts and feelings that come up. I find speaking rather than writing quicker and more effective.

04  Sunsets

I will never not love sitting on a beach and watching the sun go down. It's something I need to do more and find it instantly relaxes me.

05  Connection

Humans are not meant to be alone all the time. Fact. Connecting with friends or family whether that's on call or in person will not only do you good but also someone else. Checking in with each others mental health is so important. Ask how someone is, and, if in doubt, ask again.

06  Tapping in to creativity

It can be so easy to get trapped in the day to day routine and not leave yourself anytime to do something outside of work that you love. For me, I'm a very visual person but not a great illustrator, so I create moodboards and collages to express that. I also enjoy writing.

07 Consciously consuming online content

There is a lot of noise online, and a lot of content that can leave you feeling worse off. Muting or unfollowing accounts that don't inspire you or bring you joy is helpful but I also love consuming other forms of content that serves me some form of use. Podcasts are perfect for that: whether its education, humour or entertainment that you're after, there's something for everyone.