Do you know what makes you happy? It’s science! Sort of.
You see, happiness is actually the end result of a flurry of hormones that our brains release in response to certain activities or events. There is indeed a hormone for happiness that works with the neurotransmitters in the brain.
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. This is one neurotransmitter that supports the hormone of happiness.
As we explore what are the hormones of happiness, we review Dopamine. 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 because of this hormone for happiness.
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 tasty & healthy foods.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone, another one of the hormone for happiness, that has many effects in the brain, but it’s most well-known for its role in social bonding.
When we ask the question what are the hormones for happiness, oxytocin comes up as an answer. 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 are increased when we hug, touch, or are just around loved ones, which explains why just sitting next to your partner may lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Levels of oxytocin increase when we socialize, make love, and do certain social activities!
Serotonin
Serotonin is neurotransmitter that is found in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets. It helps to support the hormone for happiness.
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- which can be helpful when answering the question of what are the hormones of happiness?
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! Endorphins are a production of hormones and can be considered a hormone for happiness.
It Gets Down To The Basics
So you see, from an evolutionary perspective, these 4 hormones (Neurotransmitters) make sense! These are the acronym D.O.S.E. These form the various hormone for happiness as they help maintain positive feelings within the body.
As you answer the question, what are the hormones for happiness? 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:
- Eat well
- Socialize
- Get sun exposure
- Move!
- Eating healing foods such as proteins
Final Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get happy! Now that you have answered what are the hormones of happiness.
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. Feel free to schedule a consultation for us to help with your mind, body imbalances. There is more to it than just the awareness of which hormones are for happiness. Unhappiness can stem from a multiple of situations. Unhappiness can come from genetic factors, mindset, emotional health, chemical imbalances, etc. A person may lack motivation to do the things necessary to help stabilize their health as well as their biochemistry. Our practice offers biofeedback as a tool to support the mind-body and spirit of the person. Mindfulness, yoga, and other Mind-Body techniques have also been shown to improve depressive symptoms.
Just keep reading our blog for more tips on how to live a healthy and happy life.
Thanks for joining us today!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449495/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6375932/
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