🌈 Glow Up Your Mood

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Let’s be real: we’re all chasing dopamine. Whether it’s through endless scrolling, that first sip of coffee, or a good playlist, dopamine is what fuels our motivation and helps us focus. But not all dopamine hits are created equal. Enter the dopamine menu—your personalized toolkit for choosing healthier, intentional ways to recharge and stay motivated.

What is a dopamine menu?

A dopamine menu is a list of small, enjoyable activities that give your brain a little boost without leaving you drained afterward. Unlike quick fixes like doom-scrolling or binge-watching, these activities are fulfilling, sustainable, and can improve your overall focus and mood.

Creating your menu is as simple as identifying small actions that bring you joy, energy, or calm. Here’s how to get started:

🕒 Step 1: Break it down by time

Life moves fast, and so should your menu! Include activities for different time frames:

• 5-Minute Boosts: Stretch, make tea, or watch a funny video.

• 15-Minute Refreshers: Take a short walk, tidy your space, or journal.

• 30-Minute Recharges: Cook a meal, dive into a hobby, or read a chapter of a book.

🪡 Step 2: Personalize It

Your dopamine menu should reflect your interests and what feels restorative to you. Try these ideas:

• For Nature Lovers: Step outside, water your plants, or sit by a window.

• For Creatives: Doodle, create a playlist, or work on a passion project.

• For the Socially Inclined: Call a friend, send a thoughtful text, or join an online coworking session.

🧪 Step 3: Test and make adjustments

Your dopamine menu isn’t set in stone—it evolves as you do. Experiment with activities and note how they make you feel.

• Pair It with Breaks: Use your menu to recharge during work breaks. For example, after 25 minutes of focused work, reward yourself with a 5-minute boost.

• Use It as a Reset Button: Feeling stuck or unmotivated? Pick something from your menu instead of defaulting to your phone.

• Reflect Daily: Before bed, jot down which menu items you tried and how they affected your mood or focus.

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Real or AI 🤖

Last week, we sipped on our cozy hot chocolate by the fireplace. 86% of you were CORRECT in selecting Image 1 as the real fireplace - as cozy as it looks, y’all were right about that “AI Glow”. Here’s one of the comments that made the team laugh while reviewing:

Beware of fire hazards this Christmas, y’all 🤣 This week, let’s bake some (hopefully safe) gingerbread cookies!

Which of the images below is REAL, and which is AI? Vote for the picture you believe is NOT AI & let’s see if you can determine which is which!