Are you aware of the happy chemicals that live in your body? Did you know that you produce your own medicine? And you can write your own prescription! Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, and Endorphins are responsible for your feelings of happiness. Many things can trigger these neurotransmitters. But did you know that there are ways you can intentionally cause them to flow? These happy chemicals create a positive state of well- being in body and mind. This positive state impacts motivation and productivity, health and happiness. Let’s take a look at how to hack into this state of being.
Dopamine has a number of important functions in the brain including regulation of motor behavior, pleasures related to motivation and also emotional arousal. It plays a critical role in the reward system. Dopamine motivates us to take action toward goals, desires, and needs. It also gives us a surge of pleasure which reinforces the motivation when we have achieved our goals. Studies show that low levels of dopamine are linked to behaviors such as procrastination, self-doubt, and lack of enthusiasm. To ensure a continual flow of experiencing dopamine, create a series of little achievements by breaking big goals into smaller ones. And allow yourself to celebrate that goal whenever you meet it! Before you achieve that goal, make a new one to ensure that the flow continues.
Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. It regulates your appetite, sleep and body temperature. Serotonin regulates your mood. Whenever you need a boost, remind yourself of your past achievements and success. Allow yourself to re-live the experience and the positive emotions connected to that experience. Remember that your mind doesn’t know the difference between what you imagine and what you perceive to be reality, so your brain produces serotonin in either case. A gratitude journal can help with this. Loneliness and depression appears when serotonin is absent, which is why most antidepressants focus on the production of serotonin.
Oxytocin has been referred to as the “cuddle” hormone. It’s released during orgasm, and by women during childbirth and breastfeeding. Oxytocin creates intimacy, trust, and increases fidelity. It builds healthy relationships and strong bonds. And it reduces cardiovascular stress and improves the immune system! Dr. Paul Zak recommends eight hugs each day as a simple and effective way to keep your oxytocin flowing.
Endorphins help to alleviate anxiety and depression. They act as an analgesic and sedative and are released in response to pain and stress. Endorphins are actually similar to morphine in their effects on diminishing perceptions of pain. You can induce endorphin release with regular exercise. And one of the easiest ways to increase your levels of endorphins is to laugh. Even the anticipation and expectation of laughter will do it.
Take advantage of this amazing ability to create a happier, healthier, more successful life. You have everything you need within. Don’t wait for happiness to magically appear in your life! Use some strategies to help yourself to help yourself!