I've recently discovered the concept of a “dopamine drip” as a crucial element for our mental well-being and happiness, and it really resonated with me. This idea was discussed in a podcast with Dr. Daniel Amen, a nationally recognized psychologist who specializes in brain health.

After reading “Dopamine Nation” by psychologist Anne Lembke, I've become fascinated with how high-performance individuals, especially women in healthcare, thrive on dopamine highs.

We’re accustomed to a fast-paced life filled with BIG wins: passing our boards, succeeding in surgeries, winning awards, and taking lavish trips to escape hospital life. We chase these monumental moments for the rush of happiness they bring, primarily through dopamine. However, the problem with these large dopamine doses is that they can lead to an addiction to big events and highs, causing us to crash and constantly search for the next hit.

 Instead, let’s focus on a “dopamine drip” – small doses of dopamine in our daily lives. Let’s start by appreciating what’s right in front of us. There are moments of bliss, joy, and happiness we often miss because our brains are conditioned to overlook them.

Your challenge this week: Start journaling and write down three things daily that bring you joy. Journaling will help rewire your brain to seek microdoses of joy rather than waiting for distant, external events. Here’s the journal I love using!