Viral ‘dopamine menu’ promises increased productivity – and people are hooked

This will increase your mood and productivity.

The viral “dopamine menu” trend promises to make task efficiency more enjoyable. The “menu,” or list, is made up of activities that make you happy, an idea that appears to have originated with Jessica McCabe, the YouTube creator of “How to ADHD.”

Creator Payton Sartain described it as a “list of things you can do to feel good during the day so you don’t default to going on social media,” while Fast Company contributor Francine Maroukian swore that “the menu of of dopamine” increased. her daily productivity.

In theory, hacking is supposed to stimulate dopamine—the hormone responsible for happiness—with quick, enjoyable activities that can be sprinkled throughout the day. When there is a lull in the workday, you need to motivate yourself to complete tasks or you find yourself bored, then the pre-made menu can be referred to for inspiration and a quick shot of happiness.

“Dopamine is linked to reward circuitry and goal-directed behavior, so when you set short-term goals with rewards attached to them, it can positively shape your productivity,” licensed psychotherapist Gary Tucker previously told Bustle.

“Using your natural reward system can inspire and energize you to take on tasks you may have avoided.â€

For anyone struggling to get through boring chores, experts tell the media that pairing a dopamine-boosting activity with that chore—such as a treat after cleaning – it’s a kind of encouragement and reward after it’s removed. task list

On TikTok, creators share footage of their menu creations, which are broken down by how long certain activities take.

Snack options on a dopamine menu might consist of petting the dog, making the bed, or listening to your favorite song. Favorite foods are things that take much longer, like journaling or going to the gym, while treats are a type of behavior for yourself, like receiving a TV program or shopping online.

There are sides – things you can attend to while doing another task, like turning on a podcast while cleaning the house – and specials – things that take a lot more time.

“Just like you need protein in your diet, your brain needs dopamine to function smoothly and keep you motivated,” author and clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Marie Manly told Bustle.

“When you’re feeling low, unmotivated, unfocused or depressed, a stimulating dopamine boost can be just what’s needed to get you back on track.”