Feast on a dopamine menu with these 5 easy hacks for a good mood

Stop that burnout feeling and start a dopamine menu. Pics/iStock

Stuck to doomscrolling for crumbs of dopamine but feeling burnt-out all the time? Try a dopamine menu to simultaneously reduce screen dependence and boost your mood with healthier, inexpensive, quick fixes.

1. Appetisers

A simple 10-minute activity that gives you a daily dose of dopamine to kickstart your day, or works as a quick reset when you're feeling stuck.

. 10 Jumping Jacks
. Listen to your favourite song(s)
. Quick meditation session

2. Entrées

These are more time-consuming activities, usually taking more than an hour, that provide satisfaction and fill you with creative energy.

. Playing an instrument
. Cooking a meal
. Reading a novel

3. Specials

Activities that are usually part of a bucket list, or rare events that are occasionally enjoyed.

. Attend a concert
. Go on your dream vacation
. Re-decorate a room in your house

4. Sides

Fun additions that make those irritating and mundane tasks more manageable and stimulating.

. Play with fidget-spinners
. Chew gum
. Light a scented candle

5. Desserts

Highly stimulating activities that feel amazing and are fun to participate in, so they must be rationed to prevent overindulgence.

. Scrolling on social media apps
. Binge-watching television shows
. Playing video games