Can we raise our Dopamine levels ourselves?

There are many ways for us to raise our levels of dopamine ourselves. Stress is a factor that affects our dopamine levels and therefore qi gong would be an excellent way to help as it emphasizes moving stagnant energy through movement, breath and intention. Other kinds of exercise from yoga to sports are also effective because they get the endorphins pumping. As mentioned in class, not only sex, but physical touch such as hugging, kissing and massage have all been proven to increase dopamine levels. Food intake is another influential aspect. Sugar, saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined foods all interfere with proper brain function and can cause low dopamine. Eating food high in antioxidants is beneficial as free radicals lower dopamine levels in the body, and antioxidants eliminate free radicals. Also caffeine can work against us because it boosts the neurotransmitters in the brain and increases serotonin temporarily, but after the high, dopamine levels sink lower.