What is the best way to feel happy about your life?
It’s the old “carrot-and-stick” approach. We can’t change what happens to us, but we can always make the most of it.
So, it is with our moods. Our mood is largely dictated by our hormone levels.
There are many ways how to increase happy hormones which naturally produce positive effects on our brain’s chemistry, known as happy hormones. We’ll go through a few of them below.
Healthy happy hormones
When we are healthy, we are happy. This is because our bodies produce a chemical called serotonin, which is responsible for our mood.
Serotonin is released into our bloodstream and gets pumped around our brain via the bloodstream. The more serotonin, the happier you are.
Facing depression
Depression is a common and debilitating mental condition. It has an emotional, physical and social impact, and can make it difficult to function normally. Depression is associated with low levels of serotonin in the brain.
Now, suppose you heard about serotonin and asked yourself that – is serotonin a happy hormone?
Adding this line, let us know what are the happy hormones anyway?
What Are Happy Hormones by the way?
#1. Serotonin – Serotonins are responsible for our mood and thoughts. They are produced by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, a small part of the brain that is located at the base of the brain.
The hypothalamus is also known as the “suicide gland,” because it secretes a hormone that reduces the level of serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin is released into the bloodstream and pumped around our brain via the bloodstream.
So, when we are healthy, we are happy. When we are depressed, we have low levels of serotonin.
This hormone is also known as the serotonin system. This system includes the brain, spinal cord, and endocrine glands, including the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland.
#2. Dopamine – Dopamine is another hormone, produced in the brain, which has a role to play in our mood. Dopamine helps to regulate our thoughts, feelings, and movements.
It is a chemical messenger that is naturally produced in the body and gives us the energy to function properly.
The dopamine system is responsible for our motor function, such as muscle tone, the regulation of muscle movements, and the balance and coordination of movement.
#3. Oxytocin – Oxytocin is another hormone that has a role to play in our mood. Oxytocin is released by the pituitary gland, which is a small pea-shaped gland that sits just below the hypothalamus.
It is responsible for the contraction of the uterus during childbirth.
#4. Endorphins – Endorphins are a class of hormones that are produced in the brain. They can be thought of as the body’s natural painkillers.
Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and have a role to play in the regulation of mood.
How To Increase These Hormones Naturally?
Let’s take a glance at how to increase dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins naturally?
- Eat healthy –Healthy foods contain lots of nutrients that are essential for a healthy mood. Foods that are high in B vitamins: Fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
- Diet rich in amino acids –Foods with high protein content like meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine –These substances impair serotonin production and can make us feel anxious and depressed.
- Exercise –Exercise is known to boost serotonin. It will help you snooze a bit longer peacefully as well.
- Relax –Stress, anxiety, and depression are all associated with low levels of serotonin. To reduce stress, it’s important to relax. Try taking a walk, listening to music, or meditating.
- Sleep more –Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. When we sleep we produce a chemical called the sleep hormone melatonin. Melatonin is linked to feelings of well-being and happiness.
These are a few habits that make a person happier gradually. But there are some more to take into consideration for a healthy and happy life. For example –
Nurture relationships
Social support and a meaningful relationship are linked to happiness and wellbeing. Nurturing our relationships will improve our mood.
Reduce stress
Try to reduce stress in your life. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and have time for relaxation.
This will help your mood and your physical and mental energy levels.
Have a balanced life
If we don’t have balance in our life, we will have a negative impact on our mood and our ability to function at our best.
Try to combine these simple habits into one routine, and make sure you implement them for a few months.
Conclusion
You can boost your mood with a few simple habits to Boost your happy hormones. When you apply this to your daily life, you will have a positive impact on your mood.
So at last we hope that you found this blog on How to Increase Happy Hormones helpful and informative.