Motivation Mix

Did you know that we all have natural chemicals in our bodies that can really get us going, help us feel motivated and give us that ‘can do’ attitude?  They happen naturally, giving us an occasional motivation boost after or before a specific event, activity or encounter, all without our knowledge.

So just imagine, you could tap into enjoyment, a sense of belonging and achievement, or happiness whenever you wanted to.  By understanding the motivational mix of these four naturally produced hormones in your body, you can give yourself a DOSE of motivation.

To help you get your daily or weekly DOSE of motivation, here are some of our ‘how to’ suggestions.

Dopamine – this gives us a sense of reward and achievement.  It’s also our bodies way of tapping into pleasure.

Try some of these techniques:

• When you do something you love, take a mental picture of it to remind yourself later.
• Give yourself reward treats for doing something that is less motivating, something that feels like a treat to you (getting some fresh air, having a cuppa, eating chocolate, talking to a friend for five minutes, doing exercise).
• Certain mood-foods release dopamine, including chillies, dairy, eggs, protein, vegetables and nuts.
• Learn something new, where you can track your progress.
• Having enough and good sleep helps us to feel alert and more awake.
• Try a combination of sunlight, light exercise and fresh air to give a dopamine boost.

Oxytocin – this gives us a sense of connection, of belonging to ‘our group’ of people.  It is sometimes called our ‘social’ hormone.

Try some of these techniques:

• Take a moment to connect with someone who means something to you, by sending them a text , a voice message or give them a call.
• When you are out and about, say hello to as many people as you can interact with (and remember to smile – and if they smile back you’ll also get a dopamine hit).
• Join a real or virtual class or group.
• Animals are a great way to boost your oxytocin – whether your own or someone elses.
• Volunteer or offer to help out at something at work or within your community.
• Listen to music, or even better go and hear live music.
• Give someone a cuddle. Even virtual cuddles work!

Serotonin – this influences our level of happiness as well as status and feelings of satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

Try some of these techniques:

• Adding some mindful moments into your routine.
• Use your breathing as an anchor, slow it down and internally say ‘in’ and ‘out’ with each breath.
• Good news for chocolate lovers! 70% chocolate releases serotonin via your gut neurons that naturally enhances your mood and creativity. Other mood foods include; bananas, high protein foods, cheese, peanut butter.
• Aerobic exercise not only raises your heart rate and serotonin, it also gives you added dopamine.

Endorphin – this helps us manage pain and our stress levels.  The natural chemicals also improve our sense of wellbeing.

Try some of these techniques:

• Think of people that make you feel happy.
• What are the places you love to visit and recall some of these wonderful holiday moments.
• When you feel more relaxed and positive you feel less pain. Remind yourself
• Exercise and movement.Did you know that we all have natural chemicals in our bodies that can really get us going, help us feel motivated and give us that ‘can do’ attitude?  They happen naturally, giving us an occasional motivation boost after or before a specific event, activity or encounter, all without our knowledge.

  So just imagine, you could tap into enjoyment, a sense of belonging and achievement, or happiness whenever you wanted to.  By understanding the motivational mix of these four naturally produced hormones in your body, you can give yourself a DOSE of motivation.

  To help you get your daily or weekly DOSE of motivation, here are some of our ‘how to’ suggestions.

  Dopamine – this gives us a sense of reward and achievement.  It’s also our bodies way of tapping into pleasure.

  Try some of these techniques:

  • When you do something you love, take a mental picture of it to remind yourself later.
  • Give yourself reward treats for doing something that is less motivating, something that feels like a treat to you (getting some fresh air, having a cuppa, eating chocolate, talking to a friend for five minutes, doing exercise).
  • Certain mood-foods release dopamine, including chillies, dairy, eggs, protein, vegetables and nuts.
  • Learn something new, where you can track your progress.
  • Having enough and good sleep helps us to feel alert and more awake.
  • Try a combination of sunlight, light exercise and fresh air to give a dopamine boost.

  Oxytocin – this gives us a sense of connection, of belonging to ‘our group’ of people.  It is sometimes called our ‘social’ hormone.

  Try some of these techniques:

  • Take a moment to connect with someone who means something to you, by sending them a text , a voice message or give them a call.
  • When you are out and about, say hello to as many people as you can interact with (and remember to smile – and if they smile back you’ll also get a dopamine hit).
  • Join a real or virtual class or group.
  • Animals are a great way to boost your oxytocin – whether your own or someone else’s.
  • Volunteer or offer to help out at something at work or within your community.
  • Listen to music, or even better go and hear live music.
  • Give someone a cuddle. Even virtual cuddles work!

  Serotonin – this influences our level of happiness as well as status and feelings of satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

  Try some of these techniques:

  • Adding some mindful moments into your routine.
  • Use your breathing as an anchor, slow it down and internally say ‘in’ and ‘out’ with each breath.
  • Good news for chocolate lovers! 70% chocolate releases serotonin via your gut neurons that naturally enhances your mood and creativity. Other mood foods include; bananas, high protein foods, cheese, peanut butter.
  • Aerobic exercise not only raises your heart rate and serotonin, it also gives you added dopamine.

  Endorphin – this helps us manage pain and our stress levels.  The natural chemicals also improve our sense of wellbeing.

  Try some of these techniques:

  • Think of people that make you feel happy.
  • What are the places you love to visit and recall some of these wonderful holiday moments.
  • When you feel more relaxed and positive you feel less pain. Remind yourself
  • Exercise and movement.

Here at Kapow Coaching, we are passionate about moving minds to a more positive and motivated place, so why not get in touch with us to find out how we can bring to life some of these core wellbeing and leadership skills to your team and organisation.  We’d love to hear from you!