Pickleball brings people joy. There's the adrenaline rush of a good game, the vitamin D benefits from playing outside, or the remarkable sense of community. Hitting the court is a great way for players of all skill levels to simply feel good. 

There’s a new trend online known as the "dopamine menu." It’s a personalized list created in a restaurant menu format (appetizers, entrées, sides, desserts, and specials) that's designed to lift you up when you’re feeling low.

Dopamine is the “feel-good” hormone that provides you with a sense of pleasure, and also motivates you to do something when experiencing pleasure. 

A dopamine menu elevates dopamine levels to boost happiness, motivation, and focus. 

That sounds a lot like pickleball to me.

This is my Pickleball Dopamine Menu:

Appetizer

Scheduling pickleball

These are the quick and easy ways to produce pickleball dopamine. Think making coffee in the morning or coming home to your pet waiting by the door for you.  

For my menu, I’m scheduling a pickleball date with a friend. Adding that event to my calendar during is all the motivation I need to get me through a busy day at the office.

Entrée

Playing pickleball

The main course. The entrée is reserved for activities that you likely need to plan for and are meant to recharge you the most. 

For the pickleball menu, it’s got to be going out and actually playing. Whether I’m enjoying a pickleball date night or adding my paddle to the paddle system at my local court to face new competition, playing a few games is enough to get my dopamine levels nice and high.

Side

Listening to pickleball podcasts

The sides are activities that easily accompany other less enjoyable tasks that are still necessary. 

This would be consuming all my favorite pickleball podcasts while doing laundry for my pickleball clothes. 

Dessert

Shopping for pickleball clothes

Desserts are best known as the things you love, but they must be handled with care and in moderation. They’re something good, but if taken too far, can become unhealthy.

I’m adding shopping for new pickleball clothes because I get the most beautiful rush from clicking “Add to Cart” for a new pair of pickleball shoes. But if I shopped too much, I’d definitely go broke.

Pickleball shopping is definitely the sweetest treat. 

Special 

Going to a pickleball tournament

Specials are usually more expensive or time-consuming activities you aren't readily available. For a regular dopamine menu, these would include a trip to the spa or travel. 

But for me? It’s going to a pickleball tournament. This is definitely a special because it isn't something players get to do often - and it's so much fun! 

Whether you’re competing against amateurs for gold or watching your favorite pros up close, going to a tournament is definitely the market price special of the day. 

What’s on your pickleball dopamine menu? Let us know on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).