Crafting an Angels Cocktail: Your Dosage of Dopamine
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant ups and downs of running your own business? You're not alone. Many entrepreneurs face mood swings, 29% of entrepreneurs have ADHD, and even bouts of depression that make daily life tough. But what if you could mix a "cocktail" that helps you feel happier, more relaxed, and productive?
Do you often feel overwhelmed by the constant ups and downs and stress of your job or running your own business? You're not alone. Many people, especially entrepreneurs face mood swings, ADHD, and even bouts of depression that make daily life tough.
But what if you could mix a "cocktail" that helps you feel happier, more relaxed, and productive? To be “High on Life”.
Well there is a way and it will cost you absolutely nothing.
You can make your own Angels Cocktail by mixing the right doses of Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, Endorphins and Testosterone.
You could also mix yourself a Devils cocktail with the wrong mix of hormones, particularly if you add too much Cortisol.
Let me explain. First, I’m no expert, but I am highly interested in this topic, so I have read a lot. I also have a daughter with ADHD and depression who often experiences overwhelm and lack of motivation.
If you would like to dive in deeper to this topic, I highly recommend the book “High on life” by David JP Phillips.
For now, I’ll give you a brief overview of how you can regulate your hormones so you can keep yourself in a state of happy, motivated and productive state.
Let’s start with Dopamine. If you are feeling sluggish and unmotivated boosting your Dopamine levels can make you feel more energetic and driven. Dopamine gives you motivation and reward.
How can you increase your dopamine levels?
First there is fast dopamine and long term dopamine. You should be striving for the long term dopamine because just like a sugar rush that will wear off and leave you in a slump again, short term dopamine will do the same.
Short term dopamine fixes are things like scrolling social media and eating junk food.
Long term dopamine is achieved by things like exercise…going to the gym, going for a walk, eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, listening to music and meditating. Reward yourself by setting smaller goals that are achievable, rather than big goals that will make you feel overwhelmed and more stressed and depressed.
Serotonin works together with Dopamine to help you feel calm and happy. Have you ever felt great after a walk in the sunshine? That’s serotonin at work.
When you just feel like you are in a happy place, you will be releasing serotonin. Waking up to the view this morning from my house here in NSW definitely has given me a rush of serotonin.
Oxytocin is the "love hormone." It helps in building trust and bonding with others. Spending quality time with friends and family will release Oxytocin.
Hugs, handshakes, patting someone on the back. During Covid, even virtual calls with loved ones helped to boost oxytocin.
Endorphins are natural painkillers that also boost pleasure. Laughter will give you a great release of endorphins along with high intensity workouts whilst listening to your favorite upbeat music that makes you feel happier and less stressed.
So these are all the hormones that will put you in a happy, productive and motivated state.
Now let’s talk about the devils mix.
Stress can lead to high levels of cortisol, known as the "stress hormone."
Don’t get me wrong…small levels of cortisol can actually be helpful to give you the push to reach your deadlines and get things done.
Corisol can be converted into adrenaline. Just like in a fight of flight situation, when your body suddenly has the ability to achieve things that in normal situations don’t seem possible or are difficult, adrenaline will give you the short term boost to achieve extraordinary things.
However, long term cortisol is a very bad mix which can quickly turn your angels cocktail into a devils mix.
So what causes high cortisol?
Chronic stress can result in serious health issues, burnout, depression and anxiety.
Creating your perfect Angels Cocktail isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. You will need to experiment to find out the mix that works best for you.
The important thing is to understand how you can balance your dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins while managing cortisol so you have the control to put yourself in a happier, relaxed and more productive state.
You have the power and control, even when you feel out of control.
Achieving balance is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental well-being.
Ok, lastly I want to address testosterone. Release of this hormone in the right moments, will boost your confidence, energy, focus, performance and feelings of dominance. It’s great to increase this hormone before you go out to perform on stage or as an athlete.
How can you increase your testosterone levels in a moment? Do something that will increase your heart rate. Increase your breathing rate. Pace around a room, speaking out loud positive affirmations. I’m amazing! I’ve got this! I am the best! Release vocal roars. Spread your arms out wide whilst doing this. You will naturally feel stronger and more invisible. It’s a great method to boost your confidence and energy levels quickly, setting a positive tone for whatever challenges you face next.
Life as an entrepreneur is full of highs and lows. But with a little effort, you can create your own Angels Cocktail to stay balanced, happy, and productive.
Life as an entrepreneur is full of highs and lows. But with a little effort, you can create your own Angels Cocktail to stay balanced, happy, and productive.
Remember:
Dopamine for motivation and focus
Serotonin for calm and peace
Oxytocin for strong relationships
Endorphins for natural pain relief and happiness
Testosterone for increased power, strength and confidence.
🛑 Most important keep an eye on your cortisol levels to manage stress effectively.
Your journey to a more balanced life starts here. Commit to small changes, celebrate your progress, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.
Ready to take control of your mood and productivity?
Consider getting the book by David JP Phillips', "High on Life," which offers deeper insights into managing these crucial hormones.
Feel free to share your own tips or stories in the comments. Let's build a supportive community where we can all thrive together!
Thanks for reading, and here’s to creating your perfect Angels Cocktail!
