This featured blog for the month of June was written by one of the Drive to Save Lives prevention speakers, Matt Bellace, PhD.
Summer break from school is just starting for some (sorry, New Jersey) and in full swing for many others, so now is a good time to think about, well, good times. Summer parties involve swimming, grilling outside, lots of sun, and sometimes alcohol and other drug use. This is a great time to make a pact with yourself to choose natural highs over chemical highs. It’s kind of like choosing slow cooked home cooking over fast food. The great news, summer is filled with opportunities to achieve natural highs!
What are Natural Highs?
Any activity that elevates your mood in a reliable way is a natural high. The Runner’s High is probably the most well known and a good example of an activity where you put the work in first and get rewarded later in the form of post run relaxation and sense of accomplishment. Another great example is the cold plunge. If you jump into even a cool body of water, regardless of your opinion on the water, you will feel differently afterwards. Spending a few minutes in a cold plunge has been shown to increase the feelgood neurotransmitter dopamine by two and a half times. That’s a powerful dip.
“Natural highs don’t just feel good—they do good. They boost your brain, build your confidence, and don’t come with a crash.”
– Matt Bellace
Why Natural Highs are the “Better High”?
If you’re under the age of twenty-five, your brain is still under construction. Alcohol and other drug use has been shown to interfere with brain regions in charge of decision-making and judgement. Young people are also more susceptible to developing an addiction the early they start using. Choosing natural highs over chemical highs not only protects your brain, it also empowers you to learn new skills (e.g. surfing, fishing or playing guitar). Those skills you pick up will be with you throughout your lifespan and can help improve your mental health whenever you need them.
This summer, chase the better high.
Swap the shortcuts for skill-building, mood-boosting, memory-making adventures. Whether it’s diving into a lake, picking up a new hobby, or just laughing with friends—your brain will thank you later.
Want to Learn More?
Read: A Better High – Matt Bellace
Listen: The Better High Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts
Watch: www.naturalhigh.org