Serotonin v's Dopamine

Sometimes it's hard to know which neurotransmitter to chase. Dopamine gets a bad wrap on most media channels because of it's short term and addictive nature. Serotonin seems to be longer lasting and gives us an overall sense of peace.

Serotonin gives us that sense that we are 'OK'. We're calm. We're balanced- both comfortable within ourselves and connected to others. Rather than rollercoaster-style excitement, serotonin is longer lasting.

Dopamine has it's place. It gives us motivation and ambition. We get stuff done when our dopamine levels are up. We gain pleasure from what we accomplish and we learn better. 

Seratonin is increased naturally through having meaningful relationships, regular exercise and good nutrition, spending time outside, in the sunlight and in nature, sleeping well and being helpful.

Dopamine tends to spike when we are doing more instant gratification tasks. Scrolling social media, shopping & gambling- often online. The companies who profit from we consumers spending more time on our devices look for ways to stimulate dopamine production to keep us hooked.

The reality is, we do very well when we have a healthy dose of both seratonin and dopamine. Sometimes that means putting phone away, doing some exercise outdoors with people you like.

Sounds like a nice way to live, doesn't it?