Simple Ways to Trigger Your Brain’s Happy Chemicals (Without Doing Anything Illegal)
Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins – also known as the “happy hormones” – each play different but critical roles in our bodies. Wondering how you can boost your own happy chemicals without the use of drugs? Here are some specific ways to increase these neurotransmitters.
Dopamine
According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Dopamine is particularly involved in helping us feel pleasure as part of the brain’s reward system.” In fact, many people refer to dopamine as the reward chemical. Here are a few ways to boost this natural neurotransmitter.
1. Celebrate your victories
Dopamine is known as the reward hormone, so celebrating your small wins will help your body release the neurotransmitter. Even something as small as checking off a task can act as positive reinforcement.
2. Dance to upbeat music
Dancing is a great way to experience a dopamine release. Create an upbeat playlist of your favorite songs to mix when you need to shake off some stagnant energy and experience more pleasure.
3. Treat yourself to a shopping trip
I’m not saying that retail therapy should be your go-to treatment for dopamine deficiency, but occasionally treating yourself to new clothes or other products can definitely trigger a dopamine rush. That said, it is even more beneficial when used as a reward for hard work or tasks completed.
Serotonin
Harvard Health Publishing defines serotonin as the hormone “responsible for elevating mood, as well as a host of other functions.” Here are two ways to increase your body’s serotonin, also known as your “mood stabilizer.”
1. Get outside
Getting some sunlight is one of the best and simplest ways to support your body’s serotonin levels. Even just walking outside for 15 minutes or standing in the morning sun can help boost your serotonin and stabilize your mood.
2. Meditate
Meditation is another great way to increase serotonin, which in turn helps regulate your mood. You can follow a guided meditation or simply use your own meditation music and guide yourself through the process focusing on deep breathing and visualization.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone”. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “(Oxytocin’s) main function is to facilitate childbirth, which is one of the reasons why it is called the ‘love drug’ or the ‘love hormone’ … Our bodies also produce oxytocin when we arouse our sexual partner and when we fall in love. This is why it has been given the nicknames and the ‘lovedlee hormone'”.
Here are two simple ways to boost your oxytocin naturally.
1. Cuddle with a loved one or a pet
Physical touch and intimacy are closely linked to oxytocin production, but you don’t need to be in a romantic or sexual relationship to get your fix. Hug a loved one, cuddle your pet, or spend time with family to boost your oxytocin.
Feeling loved, supported and connected to your community can help boost your oxytocin. If you lack a sense of belonging, consider volunteering locally, joining a book club, or joining group yoga or fitness classes.
Endorphins
As Harvard Health Publishing states: “Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers. Released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general sense of well-being.”
Here are two easy but effective ways to trigger the release of endorphins.
1. Exercise
The best and easiest way to release endorphins is through exercise. Whether you run outside or take an exercise class at your gym, moving your body will help boost these “feel-good” chemicals.
2. Watch Something Funny
What they say is true: laughter really is the best medicine. That’s because laughing actually triggers the release of endorphins. Watching a comedy special or a funny TV series can encourage the production of this natural pain reliever.
