You may have seen a new self-care trend circling the internet lately that encourages people to get off the internet and lean into what brings them joy. The trend, called dopamine menus, is centered around making lists of things and activities that make you happy and categorizing them like a menu you would see at a restaurant. Each “course” on the menu has different activities or things you can do for dopamine boosts. They can be as small as doing a face mask once a week or as big as learning a new recipe or going on a walk every morning for fresh air and sunlight.
We all know that Martha loves the fall season (and is the queen of Halloween), so, we put together what we think would be on Martha’s fall-themed dopamine menu to give you some inspiration on what to include in yours. We’ve included small festive activities and cherished traditions to help savor the season and lean into the coziness of fall. We hope these ideas inspire you to create your own Martha-inspired dopamine menu.
Starters
When deciding on your designated starters for your menu, think of small, less time-consuming things you can do to lean into the fall season on a daily or weekly basis. Something to supplement your routine to make it even just a smidge more cozy this fall.
We think Martha’s starters this fall entail wearing cozy sweaters on those brisk fall days and indulging in her homemade apple cider to warm up in the evening.
Mains
For the main courses on your dopamine menu, try to choose activities that are exclusively done in the fall and can be shared with loved ones. Think events throughout the season that you plan with family and friends ahead of time to look forward to.
If you haven’t taken a trip to the pumpkin patch or the apple orchard, you’re doing fall all wrong. Picking pumpkins for carving or to use in décor is a time-honored fall favorite. Martha enjoys the fall sentiment of hosting a bonfire with friends and family, all gathered around on a cozy autumn night.
Sides
Sides on your dopamine menu can be similar to your starters—small things you can incorporate to enhance your day while at work or doing chores around the house.
If you know Martha, you know how much she loves her pets—especially when they are dressed up in costumes. Every Halloween, Martha dresses up her pets in unique homemade costumes to include them in the spooky holiday spirit. Another side this season on Martha’s menu is lighting fall holiday-scented candles. When you can’t have the freshly baked pumpkin bread waft throughout your home—light a scented candle in your kitchen instead.
Desserts
Desserts on a dopamine menu can be real desserts, too. It wouldn’t be a proper fall menu without freshly baked pies and themed treats. Indulging now and then is healthy and a great way to celebrate.
For Martha, baking a variety of flavored pies is one of her favorite fall traditions. Seasonal-themed holiday treats are simply a must. In addition to fall-flavored pies, try some Halloween-themed desserts like the “Broken Glass” Cupcakes and Crisp Candy-Corn Treats.