Happiness Hormones : Staying Happy During Hard Times — Photo by Catalin Pop on Unsplash

You just had a long day. Things don't feel right. Life seems less interesting.

Some days in our lives are filled with these not-so-pleasant emotions.

Honestly, at all times, things are not under our control and sometimes it's natural to feel sad.

However , wouldn't it be wonderful if you could experience a drop of joy even during these monotonous times?

Don't you think it's a good idea to do simple things that can help you feel happy and joyful?

This article shall tell you :

What and How Hormones Regulate Our Happiness
Natural Ways To Release Happiness Hormones

So,

1. What are Happiness Hormones ?

Happiness has numerous dimensions.

Biologically, hormones, our body's chemical messengers are believed to be responsible for our emotions.

When they are released into our blood stream, they reach the target cell, causing physiological changes.

They carry messages from the brain or nerve cells to the target organs. As a result, we experience some change in our emotion.

There are 4 major hormones that regulate happiness.

Known by the acronym called D.O.S.E , they are : Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphin.

2. How Do They Regulate Our Happiness?

A. Dopamine

Known as the brain's reward system, he brain releases dopamine when we do things that are pleasurable.

So, basically dopamine is the hormone that creates happiness and pleasure.

From evolutionary point of view, dopamine is wired in a such a way that it promotes activities necessary for our basic survival like : food, drink , exercise and sex.

It also causes reinforcement . This means it leads our mind to repeat the task again in the future.

So, it is important that you cause release of dopamine not only through you would like to repeat, but those that are also healthy.

Certainly not through cocaine and sugary food.

B. Oxytocin

Oxytocin, also known as "love hormone" is another hormone that regulates our happiness.

Sufficient amount oxytocin levels help us combat anxiety and feel good.

The interesting fact about this love hormone is that until now, attempts to artificially manufacture oxytocin have not yielded much positive results.

It has largely to do with the blood-brain barrier, but perhaps "love hormone" be it artificial doesn't come so easily.

C. Serotonin

Serotonin starves off depression. It uplifts your mood and helps you feel positive.

Interestingly, majority of the anti-depressants work by increasing the uptake of serotonin in the brain.

So, incase you are wondering what is in an anti-depressant tablet?

It's most likely related with increased serotonin uptakes .

D. Endorphin

Endorphins are known as our body's natural pain killers.

They are the endogenous morphine, a type of pain killer which relieves our pain and creates a sense of wellbeing.

Endorphin is also believed to be behind "runner's high", the short-lived, but intense and deep euphoric state.

Studies have shown that as little as 20–30 minutes each day can help boost your endorphin levels.

So, what can we do to cause their Natural Release?

A. Dopamine

Since dopamine is made of an amino acid called tyrosine, so foods rich in tyrosine are believed to give a boost to dopamine production in the body. These include chicken and other types of poultry, soy, avocadoes, bananas, pumpkin seeds and dairy foods.
Evidence suggests that meditation also enhances the release of dopamine.
Celebrating small wins and eating your favorite food.
Setting a target and achieving it.

B. Oxytocin

Simple acts of love and touch like hugging , curdling, making love.
Playing with kids and pets.
Listening to music and high-intensity martial arts.

C. Serotonin

Exposure to sunlight or to bright light.
Getting extra tryptophan , the building block of serotonin through complex carbohydrate sources like vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain.
Swimming and cycling.

D. Endorphin

Laughter exercise.
Eating dark chocolate .
Acupuncture : by pressing on pressure points.
Walking fast or moderately intense-paced exercises.

It's always great to do things you love and enjoy the adventurous journey called "life" , but dark chocolates, avocados , exercise and sunlight do come handy, especially when the "life hits you with a brick on your head."

It's best if you can stay happy and satisfied all the time, but it's good to find joy using some easy hacks when the things get a bit patchy.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449495/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/endorphins-the-brains-natural-pain-reliever

https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/four-happy-hormones/

https://positivepsychology.com/happiness/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15135942/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465250/

Happiness Hormones : Staying Happy During Hard Times