Brain Chemistry - Dopamine - Page 65 of the book - 'How To Stay Sane In A Crazy World'

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Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a feel good chemical responsible for sending messages between the brain and nerve cells of the body. Dopamine is the motivation molecule in charge of our pleasure and reward system. 

Dopamine is a solo chemical, meaning we can make dopamine on our own. We don't necessarily need another human being for the release of dopamine in our bodies. Dopamine motivates us to take action toward goals, desires and needs; giving us a surge of reinforcing pleasure when we achieve them. Dopamine is the feeling we have when we find something we were looking for, or when we accomplish what we set out to achieve: the feeling we get when we cross something off our to-do list. Dopamine ensures we achieve our goals. 

Dopamine is why it is important to write our goals down and cross them off: this act gives us a burst of dopamine. Dopamine is why having a vision is so important; why measurable milestones and goals are necessary. If we feel we are making progress toward our vision, we keep going forward, because dopamine motivates us. Dopamine is responsible for bodily functions such as movement, memory, sleep, mood, pleasurable reward, behaviour and cognition. It helps control nausea and vomiting. If you are feeling sick or nauseous, it may be because your dopamine levels are low. 

Dopamine should come with a warning though - it is highly, highly addictive.