Hack Your Happiness

We can create more happiness by doing certain things more often. Happiness is experienced when specific neurotransmitters are released in the brain. Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphin are made in the brain and act as chemical messengers, communicating messages between nerve cells in the brain. They are also considered hormones since they can carry messages throughout the nervous system, not just the brain.

Dopamine controls not only mental and emotional responses but also motor reactions. Dopamine is mainly known as the "happy hormone." It is responsible for our experiencing happiness. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure, motivation, and learning.  

Serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where it performs its primary functions, but some 90% of our serotonin supply is found in the digestive tract and in blood platelets. It activated the vagus nerve via the brain- axis and controls vital functions like appetite and sleep as well as feelings of overall well-being.

Oxytocin is the love hormone. It is released when we connect with others. This can be sexual but also when we hug or smile. It gives us a sense of trust, safety, and calm. This neurotransmitter gets blocked by cortisol - the stress hormone. The more stressed we feel the less oxytocin is released.

Endorphins are our natural pain killers and can boost our mood as well. Endorphins can have many positive effects in terms of your health and well-being. Benefits include reduced depression and anxiety, improved self-esteem, regulation or modulation of appetite, an enhanced immune response, and reduced pain.

Hacking The Happiness Chemicals:

Dopamine

• Completing a task
• Self-care activities
• eating food (including foods rich in L-Tyrosine)
• celebrating your wins

Serotonin

• Meditation
• Exercise
• Sun exposure
• Walks in nature
• Bright Light
• Massage

Oxytocin

• Playing with a dog or baby
• Holding hands
• Hugging
• Give compliments
• Kissing
• Sex

Endorphin

• Laughter
• Smell
• Dark chocolate
• Exercising
• Sex
• Dancing 
• Listening to music
• Spicy food