World poet Rabindranath Tagore has loudly called upon everyone to be happy. But how is that possible? How many of us are able to be happy all the time? Many people do not know that there are certain hormones that affect happiness or joy. We can call these ‘happy hormones’.
Hormones are special chemicals that act as messengers in the body and control everything from our physical functions to our mental well-being. There are four main hormones that are primarily responsible for creating our various feelings and sensitivities. Let’s learn about the four main hormones that create happiness:
Dopamine
Dopamine is often called the ‘happy hormone’. Its release causes feelings of happiness and well-being. It is a primary driver of the brain’s reward system. When we experience something pleasurable, it increases. You get a dopamine surge when you are praised at work. When you are loved, dopamine levels skyrocket. Activities such as eating, having sex, shopping, walking, light exercise, etc. produce large amounts of dopamine.
Serotonin
Serotonin is known as the ‘feel-good hormone’. Serotonin plays an important role in alleviating anxiety and depression. Exercise, spending time outdoors, and getting a good night’s sleep can help increase serotonin.
Endorphins
The hormone most closely associated with exercise is endorphins. Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to increase endorphins. These powerful hormones act as natural painkillers, reducing physical and mental discomfort and increasing happiness.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is best known for its emotional bonding and bonding effects. A woman needs this hormone during childbirth and breastfeeding. But childbirth is not the only way oxytocin is released. This ‘love hormone’ is also released in significant amounts during any form of intimate touch, including holding hands, hugging, kissing, body massage, and sex.
Activities that increase happiness hormones
- Hugs with loved ones
- Exercise
- Aromatherapy
- Massage
- Sexual intercourse
- Listening to good music
- Meditate
- Spending time outdoors
- Good sleep
- Enjoying comedy dramas or movies
Depression, fatigue, and low mood can be caused by low thyroid and adrenal hormones, as well as nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12 or vitamin D. There will always be anxiety, panic, and suffering in life. I want to mentally combat this by practicing ‘happy hormones’.
