Not everything about the holiday season is merry and bright. Sometimes it’s family members fighting, delayed flights (please god, not me), or an overcooked prime rib—but that’s where our dopamine menu comes in: A list of things the Vogue editors turn to when we’re feeling not-so-great and need a quick pick-me-up. For me, it’s looking at photos from past vacations or happy moments on my phone—a promise that sunny times (and sunny weather!) are on the way.
Read the below to inspire your own dopamine menu.
“I try to book myself a facial when I’m feeling less than stellar. No matter what’s wrong in my life, I know that having clear skin can’t hurt. Plus, it’s always nice to have an hour or so to relax and reflect—a full physical and emotional reset!”—Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
“I’m obsessed with my 12-year-old niece and six-year-old nephew—they’re smart, beautiful, hilarious, sweet, and delightful. Looking at pictures we’ve taken over the years always melts my heart and puts a smile on my face. And if I’m able to FaceTime with them, I can feel the dopamine coursing through my veins.”—Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director
“Thank God (or at least thank Rosemary Cosby) for the Salt Lake City housewives—they’re the only thing getting me through this long, miserable winter. The latest season is possibly the most unhinged yet, and given season 2 featured one of the housewives getting arrested by the FBI for wire fraud on camera, that’s truly saying something. If there’s any justice in the world, it should be the frontrunner for best comedy at next year’s Emmys—if only for introducing the term “high body count hair” to my vocabulary.”—Liam Hess, living editor
“I didn’t expect this at all, but being the one to give me and my partner’s puppy, Frankie, his first walk of the day is flooding me with dopamine; being outside at 6 am (the only time when our neighborhood of L.A. is chilly) is invigorating, and listening to music on my headphones while Frank trots along next to me is a reliably dopamine-enhancing way to start the day.”—Emma Specter, culture writer
“I like online shopping for kids’ pajamas. I just scroll through various websites—Petit Plume, Hanna Anderson, 12I12—and happily click buy on things that are 50% off or more. I also like buying my kids’ dollhouse furniture on Etsy, especially tiny food.”—Chloe Malle, Vogue.com editor
“Growing up in a very British family means that a ‘cuppa’ (PJ Tips or bust) is the cure to any and all of my problems. Feeling anxious? Have a cup of tea. Just got dumped? Have a cup of tea. Homesick? Have two cups of tea. I am so emotionally dependent on English breakfast tea that I trained both my roommate and my boyfriend exactly how to brew the perfect cup just in case they are called upon during a crisis.”—Florence O’Conncer, associate content manager
“Organizing my closet. Whether that’s tidying my underwear drawer or organizing my socks (riveting, I know!), I am very much of the tidy space, tidy mind mantra and find it instantly calming. It’s also a great way to quietly escape any family chaos that’s happening.”—Libby Page, Vogue Shopping editorial director
