The Science of Happiness

Four primary brain chemicals signal happiness: Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins, and Oxytocin.

Harnessing the Hormones:

Serotonin: Helps balance mood and promote feelings of well-being and reward. How to harness serotonin:

Being kind to others and yourself
Spending time outdoors
Exercising
Eating a well-balanced diet

Endorphins:Your body's natural painkillers; they help you overcome stress or discomfort. How to harness endorphins:

Spending time outdoors
Exercising (ever heard of "runner's high?")
Meditating
Laughing

Dopamine: Also called the "feel good" hormone, it plays a role in feeling happiness, pleasure and reward. How to harness dopamine:

Being kind to yourself and others
Getting plenty of sleep
Exercising
Listening to music

Oxytocin: Not technically a happy hormone, its role in promoting social interaction may help you feel positive emotions. How to harness oxytocin:

Showing love and affection
Spending time with loved ones and friends
Sharing a laugh
Listening to music

Brain Happiness

Habits that will enhance your brain's happiness!

Listening to music

Playing music that you associate with great times in your life can help you mentally travel back to those locations and evoke happy feelings.

Smiling

When your mind is inundated with data, it searches for biofeedback to help it decide how to react. You can fool your brain by just grinning. Smiling can make you feel joyful, just like when you're happy.

Goals

When you're depressed or feeling stressed, consider your long-term objectives. Your brain will feel in control due to the possible release of dopamine.

Sleep

Depression may hinder your ability to sleep, but it works both ways. Having a bad sleep can lead to depression.

WalkING Outdoors

Physical activity and sun exposure can enhance the serotonin and sleep systems. Going for a morning walk is simple and by doing so, you can initiate an upward spiral and participate in constructive social behaviors.

Page updated

Report abuse