The Hormones Of Happiness

Do you know what makes you happy? It's science! Sort of.

Happiness is actually the end result of a flurry of hormones that our brains release in response to certain activities or events.

So what are these happiness hormones, and what exactly do they do in the body?

Read on to find out!

 

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that is released by the brain to activate pleasure centers and make the body feel good. It's been called the "reward chemical."

Dopamine plays an important role in addiction, too. When someone takes drugs or drinks alcohol, dopamine levels rise, which reinforces those behaviors. This explains why addicts find it difficult to stop even when they know their behavior is harmful to them.

At its most basic level, dopamine tells your body whether something you're doing now will help you survive (like eating). Perhaps the best way to optimize dopamine production, is to consume healthy, tasty foods.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that has many effects in the brain, but it's most well-known for its role in social bonding.

As such, oxytocin is often called "the love hormone." It's been shown to help us cope with stress and decrease our sensitivity to pain. Oxytocin can also have a positive effect on certain mood disorders.

The levels of oxytocin increase when we hug, touch, or are simply around loved ones, which explains why just sitting next to your partner may lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Additionally, oxytocin levels rise when we socialize, make love, and engage in certain social activities!

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is found in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets. It has a variety of functions, including regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.

Serotonin is produced by the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in many foods, including poultry, fish, and legumes.

But perhaps the most important factor at play for the production of serotonin is sun exposure!

Endorphins

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They are released by the brain in response to physical or emotional stress, as well as... Exercise!

And well, they make you feel happy.

Endorphins act as a bridge between your thoughts and emotions and your sense of well-being so that when bad things happen, it doesn't seem so bad because endorphin levels spike up.

In other words: When you have high endorphin levels, life seems great!    

The best way to boost endorphin production? Exercise!

It Gets Down To The Basics

So you see, from an evolutionary perspective, these 4 hormones make sense!

They keep you in check mentally and physically, and each one of them is triggered by different actions, mainly relating to… Survival!

So, really, biochemically, to keep yourself healthy and happy, you have to:

 1.Eat well

 2.Socialize

 3.Get sun exposure

 4.Move!

Final Thoughts

So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get happy!

Science has shown us that happiness is a choice, and it’s one that we can all make.

It might not always be easy, but the benefits are worth it.

And if you need a little help getting started, don’t worry – we’ve got your back.

Just keep reading our blog for more tips on how to live a healthy and happy life.

Thanks for joining us today!

 

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For those looking to take proactive steps towards a healthier, happier life, explore our Stress Bundle and Mood Boost Bundle for comprehensive solutions.