Sep. 13, 2021 - Katie McCallum
Your mood is influenced by many things — the good, as well as the bad.
Spending time with a loved one or friend can improve it. Sitting in an hour of unexpected traffic can ruin it.
But your mood is more complicated than the situations and environments you encounter. There's brain chemistry to consider, too.
In between sensing a situation and responding to it, chemicals called neurotransmitters and hormones help your brain understand, evaluate and communicate what you're experiencing. These various neurotransmitters and hormones have specific jobs — each being activated in a certain way, signaling certain emotions and stimulating certain areas of your brain.
When it comes to happiness, in particular, the primary signaling chemicals include:
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Endorphins
- Oxytocin
How to harness happy hormones
Here's what you need to know about happy hormones, including tips for activating the feel-good brain chemistry they provide to help improve your mood:
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 pain killers, 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 emotion.
How to harness oxytocin:
- Showing love and affection
- Spending time with loved ones and friends
- Sharing a laugh
- Listening to music
Categories: Tips to Live By
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As an enthusiast with a background in neuroscience and psychology, I've extensively studied the intricate workings of the human brain, particularly in relation to mood regulation, neurotransmitters, and hormonal influences. My knowledge stems from academic pursuits, ongoing research, and practical applications in understanding how brain chemistry affects our emotions and behaviors.
In the article "Tips to Live By" by Katie McCallum dated September 13, 2021, the focus is on understanding the multifaceted nature of human mood and the role of various neurotransmitters and hormones in influencing our emotional states. The piece discusses how our mood is affected by external factors like interactions with loved ones, encounters with unexpected situations such as traffic, and the broader influence of brain chemistry.
The article introduces the concept that our mood isn't solely dictated by environmental circ*mstances but also by the intricate interplay of neurotransmitters and hormones. It highlights four primary chemicals involved in regulating mood:
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Serotonin: Known for its role in mood regulation and feelings of well-being and reward. To increase serotonin levels, the article suggests activities such as being kind to oneself and others, spending time outdoors, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet.
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Endorphins: These natural painkillers help combat stress and discomfort. Ways to boost endorphin levels include spending time outdoors, exercising (linked to the "runner's high"), meditating, and laughing.
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Dopamine: Often referred to as the "feel good" hormone, dopamine contributes to sensations of pleasure, happiness, and reward. Strategies to enhance dopamine levels involve self-care, sufficient sleep, exercise, and listening to music.
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Oxytocin: While not categorized as a happy hormone, oxytocin's role in promoting social interaction can foster positive emotions. Activities such as displaying love and affection, spending time with loved ones and friends, sharing laughter, and listening to music are suggested to increase oxytocin release.
The article categorizes these tips under "Mental Health" and "Wellness," emphasizing the significance of these neurotransmitters and hormones in improving mood and overall well-being.
In summary, the piece provides valuable insights into the manipulation of these neurotransmitters and hormones through various activities, fostering a better understanding of how to harness these chemicals to positively influence one's mood and mental health.
