THE HAPPY CHEMICALS
What are the Happiness Chemicals?
When you feel good, your brain is releasing one of the happiness chemicals/hormones.
There are main four:
- Dopamine
- Oxytocin
- Serotonin
- Endorphins
DOPAMINE
Dopamine is linked to motivation, learning, and pleasure, giving you the determination to achieve your goals, desires, and needs.
It boosts the feeling that you can achieve/complete something and once achieved, gives a surge of reinforced satisfaction.
Dopamine provides instant gratification, and can therefore pass quickly, making this a very addictive chemical.
OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is also known as the 'love hormone'.
It plays a role in building relationships, trusting people and bonding with others.
It makes you seek out the people you trust and feel safe with and help you adapt to different emotional & social situations.
The effects of Oxytocin is lasting and can therefore boost your immune system, fight stress, give a feeling of calm and safety, improve relationships, and promote long-lasting positive emotions.
SEROTONIN
Serotonin is linked to feeling that you matter and is motivated by the feeling of not letting your important people down.
It gives you pleasure when you find the opportunities to assert yourself, to be confident and achieve social power, loyalty and status.
ENDORPHIN
Endorphins provide a temporary natural pain relief by reducing the perception of pain.
It is triggered by physical distress, pain and stress and can help reduce anxiety and depression.
When you exceed your limits, the body also release endorphins, known as “runners high”.
HOW CAN A LOW D.O.S.E AFFECT ME?
Dopamine Deficiency
- lack of focus & procrastination
- changing moods & low self-esteem
- lack of motivation or enthusiasm
- feeling tired and low on energy
- feeling anxious & hopeless
Oxytocin Deficiency
- feeling lonely & disconnected
- stressed & anxious
- lack of motivation or enthusiasm
- tired and sleeplessness
Serotonin Deficiency
- low self-esteem
- being overly sensitive and emotional
- anxiety and panic attacks
- mood swings
- depression and feeling hopeless
- social phobia
- obsessive-compulsive disorders
- insomnia
Endorphin Deficiency
- anxiety
- depression
- mood swings
- aches and pains
- insomnia
- impulsive behavior
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE HAPPINESS BRAIN CHEMICALS?
- Improved overall health
- improved heart health and lower risk of heart disease
- the ability to combat the stress hormone cortisol
- stronger immune system so you’re less like to get sick
- a healthier lifestyle such as physical activity and sleep habits
- can help reduce aches and pain of those with chronic conditions
- increase life longevity
- Improved creativity and problem-solving skills
- Help others through charity and community events
- Build and maintain good relationships
- Face challenges and enjoy life
- Being content
HOW TO NATURALLY INCREASE HAPPY BRAIN CHEMICALS
DOPAMINE
- meditate regularly (increases dopamine by 65%)
- make a daily to-do list & long term goals (each time you tick off a task or goal you increase dopamine levels)
- eat foods that are rich in L-Tyrosine (avocados, fish, eggs, cheese, banana, and pumpkin seeds)
- exercise regularly (whichever form of exercise you enjoy the most will give you the most increase in dopamine levels)
- create something such as writing, music, art & crafts (“if I create something, I am also creating dopamine”)
OXYTOCIN
- physical touch, cuddling, hugging, making eye contact, and even shaking hands
- socializing (connecting or talking with friends and family reduces cortisol and stimulates your vagus nerve)
- touching your pet (research shows it lowers blood pressure)
- getting a massage (reduces stress hormones)
- acupuncture (elevates oxytocin concentrations)
- listening to music (has a calming effect on the brain, slow-tempo music has also been shown to increase oxytocin)
- exercise (stimulates the vagus nerve)
- cold showers (stimulates the vagus nerve)
- meditate
SEROTONIN
- exercise (increases serotonin and dopamine, but also helps balance them)
- cold showers (2-3 mins of cold showers can be unpleasant but offers great benefits that have longer-lasting effects than compared to caffeine)
- sunshine (10-15 minutes of sunlight a day can increase serotonin and vitamin D)
- eating foods such as banana, eggs, omega-3 fish, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, and probiotics
- getting a massage (increases serotonin and decreases cortisol)
ENDORPHIN
- laughter and crying
- creating music or art
- eating dark chocolate and spicy foods
- exercise or stretching
- high-intensity interval training
- getting a massage
- meditate
We also have some online resources that can help you manage your stress levels and help you maintain good mental health.
Click here to find out more...