Jan-2015
Natural moments of dopamine
As I am standing on top of one of the ski pistes of the Dolomiti, in the Italian Alps, I realize how happy this really makes me. Being here, with mother nature, snow & sunshine, fresh air, outdoor sports, new surroundings and new people, all providing happiness. However, it’s something I find intriguing as I can’t get this feeling of happiness that easy at home. I started wondering why.
Happiness from mother nature
It’s not something I have to think about when I get asked to join for an afternoon or an entire day of snowboarding, but what especially attracts me is the good feeling the entire surrounding gives me. Maybe it’s due to the reflection of the sun on the white snowy mountain surroundings, but it definitely has got something to do with the nature. I have the same thing going on with surfing. The beach, the ocean, the smell, the sun kissing my skin and the chilled out vibe everywhere. It gives me Dopamine; a happiness chemical sending a nice message to the brains every time we get a nice expectation. For example, a great ride down a piste or when we actually stand on top of the mountain and see how great the ride down is going to be. It’s a substance which is associated with pleasure and reward. It is also a quite addictive chemical as we keep on wanting more and more happiness and they become like our daily dose of vitamins. For me it feels like sunshine is one of the key factors for the dopamine, combined with the being active and outdoors.
Boarding makes me happy.”
Perhaps that is why I can’t get the same feeling back in the Netherlands. Could it be because there is less sunshine? I do feel that the possibility of practicing sports outdoors gives me satisfaction, because it feels healthier and it’s a whole lote more exciting. I can go for a run back home by the canal, but nothing beats trying out a sport that allows you to experience the power of nature. The force of nature. Imagine the big wave that pushes you forward when you’re surfing, the snow that sprays up in the air behind your board as your heading down the mountain. It’s like a gift from earth. I love it. I still haven’t figured out exactly why I keep on getting this feeling of happiness, but maybe I shouldn’t really try to find out and simply enjoy the dopamine to the fullest.
For now I can say: Thank you for the snow!
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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Boh. Ik mis mijn dopamine meisje!
It makes me happy to read that you are happy! Enjoy lieverd.
[…] to South Tirol? A week of snowboarding or skiing in the Italian mountains? Or perhaps just hiking the beautiful mountains of the Dolomites and having a glass of […]