With the days getting shorter by the second and nights feeling longer, it is easy for dopamine levels to drop. Rather than grabbing your phone for a quick doom scroll on social media to recharge, why don’t you build a menu that satisfies your brain’s craving for joy — a starter to awaken the senses, a main to fill the soul, and a dessert that’s just the right amount of sweet.
On tonight’s menu: an indulgent three course meal ready to sink your teeth into, so that you can be reenergised, ready to bounce off the walls.
Begin with a starter, a quick and fulfilling task that does not suck you in and provides a necessary burst of energy. Such as a random exercise of your choice: jumping jacks, spins or star jumps – whichever you choose don’t overdo it, a little goes a long way as the saying goes. Personally, I would start with a cup of coffee, the perfect ratio of both milk and espresso (the real aim is not to spill any!).
Your main meal is something that is more time consuming but just as rewarding. For example, walking a route you have not done (with a friend or alone) or baking a sweet treat with a recipe (or better without one, no guarantees that it will be successful though!). Maybe even indulge in a side (a task you do simultaneously which makes the main more entertaining). Honestly, how could you resist chips? Or in this case, background music whilst you write your own story’s main character. Although, painting your toenails multicoloured whilst watching an old, comforting movie is multitasking at its finest. My favourite main meal would be an active sport session: climbing (anywhere, anything and for any amount of time) or a lengthy dance practice.
Now if you have ‘room’, any treat out must end with a dessert. Make sure that this is not the only part of the meal, it is easy to get lost in these. This is any task that is easy and accessible, therefore, providing that final hit of dopamine. For example, having a short scroll on social media at your favourite music artist’s feed or even better, creating the weirdest shape you can with Lego. I always make room for a dessert, mine must be a quick doodle or paint, something creative to end my dining experience. Although I should stick with the less messy tasks to avoid paint getting all over – at least it adds character to the room?
Now, why don’t you make your own starter, main and dessert! Who said self care can’t come with a side of glitter, chaos and entertainment?
Illustrations by Erika Bunjevac for The Student.
