We all want to be happy. It’s an amazing sensation that can consume your body and mind, making you laugh or cry. And it’s so contagious that it may spill over onto other people too. While we don’t want to de-romanticize joy, the main reason you feel happy, cheerful, or joyful is due to various chemical reactions in our bodies.
1. Dopamine Hormone
It is also known as the “feel-good” hormone.
To increase dopamine levels:
- Complete an assignment.
- Practice gratitude.
- Self-care activities.
- Everyday body movements.
- Being a creative person.
- Organizing a simple to-do list.
- Eat more nuts, seeds, legumes, avocado, & bananas.
Dopamine levels that are low cause lower motivation.
2. Serotonin Hormone
This hormone regulates your mood, as well as your appetite, sleep, and digestion, as well as your ability to learn and memorize.
To increase the levels of serotonin:
- Cycling.
- Running
- Massage.
- Meditation.
- Cold showers.
- Nature’s time.
- Natural sunlight.
- High energy training.
- Vitamin D + K supplements.
- Eating more oats, nuts, seeds, spinach & pineapples.
Serotonin levels are low, which can lead to depression.
3. Oxytocin Hormone
Sometimes referred to as often referred to as the “love hormone.” This hormone is believed to promote empathy, trust and strengthen bonds in relationships.
To boost oxytocin levels:
- Touching.
- Socializing.
- Cold showers.
- Self-massage.
- Hands held.
- Music to relax.
- Being around kids.
- Experimenting with something completely new.
The low levels of oxytocin are responsible for an inability to function socially.
4. Endorphins Hormone
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller, which the body produces in response to discomfort or stress.
To increase the number of endorphins in your body:
- Exercise.
- Laughter
- Massage.
- Meditation.
- Spicy foods.
- Being creative.
- Make a call to an old acquaintance.
- Take more chili peppers, ginseng seeds, nuts, and strawberries.
Endorphin levels are low, which can cause headaches and body pains.
These neurotransmitters, or hormones, help promote a good mood and positive feelings, which is why you may know them under different names. For instance, serotonin is also called the happiness hormone, while dopamine is a happy hormone, and oxytocin can be described as the cuddle hormone.
The gut microbiome plays a beneficial role in the creation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. They allow neuronal cells to talk with one other and link the nervous system to the gut. Also, the gut is an optimistic mind!
There are various natural methods to increase serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin to improve your mood, emotional state, and cognitive performance. Things like exercising, sharing an evening meal with your family and friends, and the addition of probiotics and prebiotics can be all good for you.
