Happy Hormones: What Are They and How to Boost Them
Hormones are chemical substances generated by various glands throughout the body. They circulate through the bloodstream, acting as messengers and participating in numerous bodily functions.
One significant role of hormones is their involvement in regulating mood. Some hormones are recognized for their ability to promote positive emotions such as happiness and pleasure.
These "happy hormones" include:
o Dopamine is associated with motivation and reward. It explains your sense of courage towards a goal and the satisfaction after accomplishing it.
o Serotonin helps regulate your mood as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability and memory
o Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, can help promote trust, empathy and bonding in relationships
o Endorphins reduce pain and increase pleasure by acting as “natural painkillers”
Now that we’ve uncovered the four happy hormones, let’s dive into how we can increase them.
Meditate |
Daily to-do list |
Create something (music writing, art) |
Foods rich in L-tyrosine |
Long term goals |
Cold showers |
Sunlight |
Exercise |
Massage |
Listening to music |
Physical touch |
Socialising |
Meditation |
Acupuncture |
Laughter |
Dark chocolate |
Massage |
Meditate |
Exercise/stretching |