Source: Fotogrin/Shutterstock By Mac E. Lancaster, BS, and Ran D. Anbar, MD. Dopamine release activates the brain’s reward pathways, where feelings of pleasure derived from completing tasks play a significant role in motivation. Dopaminergic activities refer to actions or substances that increase activity in this system (Marques et al., 2021). By learning about dopamine, its regulation, and its function, you can incorporate positive activities that help increase your overall dopamine levels and associated pleasure. Dopamine played a major role in our evolution as a species (Previc, 1999). It is involved in seeking, evaluating, and learning based on rewarding stimuli (Bromberg-Martin et al., 2010). When we interact with a new or rewarding stimulus, dopamine is released, and subsequent feelings of euphoria increase our desire to engage in that stimulus again. Humans have reportedly high levels of dopamine compared to other animals, strengthening our pattern-seeking behavior and responsiveness to reward (Barron et al., 2010). Natural behaviors such as reproducing and eating, in particular sweet-tasting foods, are highly associated with dopamine release (Cannon & Palmiter, 2003). The human …