HAPPINESS IS IN YOUR HORMONES

Science tells us that it’s not your heart that controls your happiness. It’s your brain. Almost everything that makes you feel “happy” is linked to one of the four happiness hormones: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin and oxytocin. Understanding the ways in which these hormones work and how you can boost them naturally can help you be happier.

Dopamine

The hormone dopamine is associated with motivation and reward. It’s why you feel fired up when you set yourself an exciting or important goal, and why it feels good to reach that goal.

Committing to a hobby or sport can boost your dopamine. 

There are some not-so-healthy habits that do increase dopamine – such as drinking lots of coffee, or eating sugary foods. But there are other ways to raise levels of this hormone. Set yourself a new goal and take small steps towards it every day. Your brain will reward you with dopamine each time you take a step. Committing to a rewarding hobby or sport can be just as gratifying as aiming at professional goals.

Serotonin

Serotonin is important for reducing depression and regulating anxiety. Confidence triggers serotonin and you can build confidence in several ways. One is to adopt a new exercise routine, or other activity, which can help boost your confidence when you stick to it over time.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is sometimes called the “love” hormone and is associated with how people bond and trust each other. Certain activities like kissing or hugging can trigger the release of oxytocin in the brain. It explains why you feel happy when you stroke or cuddle your pets.

Playing or cuddling with a pet can give you a big oxytocin boost. 

You can boost oxytocin by being physically intimate with others. But there’s also an emotional connection to how oxytocin is released. Helping a friend will build a trust network and social trust is what triggers oxytocin.

Endorphins

Endorphins are usually linked with exercise: they are the cause of a runner’s high or post-exercise endorphin “rush.” They function as “natural painkillers” that help minimize pain and maximize pleasure. Laughter is one way to boost endorphins naturally. So is eating dark chocolate, watching your favourite drama on Netflix, exercising and meditating.