Carson Samson

There are a lot of bad ways to get your dopamine fix. I’ll let you make your own list, but between you and me, I’ve tried them all, and they just suck. Luckily there are better ways to get those positive vibes.

Some folks will tell you to smile more, get outside, and do a good deed. They’re not magic bullets, but I’ve found that small actions can sometimes give us enough of a boost to get through the next hour without making things worse.

I’m a big fan of running outside, and it’s no secret I love to dance. Imagine a 51-year-old man in his compression socks, dancing at a stoplight on Corydon Avenue. Yeah, that’s me. I’d encourage you to try running, or if that’s not your speed, walking. And if I had the official notepad to match my messy handwriting, I’d definitely prescribe dancing. In short, motion is lotion; it can smooth out rough patches.

I’ll even go so far as to get you started with a few things to try while on your route, and the tunes to listen to while you’re at it. Give these small but mighty actions a try:

• Wave at folks or give ’em one of these: ✌️. They’ll wave back. And by the way, they don’t know the bad things you’ve done. Accept these moments of anonymity as grace.
• Wave at dogs. Dogs know shame, but they don’t know yours, and they don’t care.
• Boop dogs if you’re feeling brave, that is. Maybe ask their owners first.
• Sing out loud. I dare you. People are probably curious about what you’re listening to anyway—you’re just doing them a favour.
• Keep your eye on traffic. Safety first, people. 

Now, the all-important tunes. Here’s a sampling of what’s on my running and dancing playlist:

(YouTube Links)

Long Train Runnin’
Come and Get Your Love
You Make My Dreams Come True
Blinding Lights
Midnight Sky
Hold it Now, Hit It
Moving Out
Joy to the World
Soul Man
I Feel Like Dancing

Music can bring us down, and it can lift us up; choose your tunes wisely. If you don’t have the time or energy to make a playlist, feel free to give mine a spin. 

Good luck. Happy running, and get your freak on: dance, baby, dance!