Psychology

Hacking Happiness Hormones: Science Behind Happiness

Divya Toshniwal

Happiness is not merely the absence of unhappiness. We have circuits in our brain for positive feelings and chemical messengers or neurotransmitters that are responsible for happiness are serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate learning, mood, social behavior, sleep, sexuality, and appetite.

There are various researches that show a low level of serotonin to affect mood and cause depression but there also have been researches that show depression causes a low level of serotonin.

To boost serotonin levels : 

Foods that boost serotonin levels are salmon, soy products, eggs, spinach, nuts, milk, turkey, pineapple, cheese, and seeds.

Other than food aerobic exercise is also reported to have fantastic effects on the serotonin levels.

Spending time in the sun helps boost serotonin levels.

Dopamine is the reward hormone or pleasure hormone. It is the hormone that makes you feel good. Dopamine affects the motivation levels, attention span, memory and also body movements.

When there is a low level of dopamine in your body it may result in low confidence, self-doubt, and lack of enthusiasm.

To boost dopamine levels : 

Eat food that is rich in protein like soy, dairy products, turkey, legumes, prunes, bananas, and apples.

At least a 30-minute exercise routine is recommended for higher levels of dopamine in our system.

Get proper sleep, listening to good music, and meditation

The general human tendency is to avoid pain and feel good. Endorphins are natural pain and stress relievers in our bodies.

To boost endorphins levels: 

Engage in physical activities like running, aerobics, dancing, swimming, playing a sport, etc

Other than that, having dark chocolate, a glass of wine and spicy food has also been reported to bring an elevation in endorphins level.

Get acupuncture therapy,  massages and sauna.

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