Hormones are very crucial chemicals in our bodies. They are produced by glands and are present in our bloodstream, transmitting messages across the body. One of their main functions is to regulate our mood. Therefore, a big number of these hormones promote positive emotions and make you feel happy. What are the hormones that are present in your body when you are happy? Here are 4 of them:
1- ENDORPHINS
These hormones are a natural pain reliever found in your body. The body produces endorphins when it is faced by stress and uncomfortable situations. Furthermore, if you take part in activities that produce rewards, such as eating, having sex or working out, your endorphins level will spike up.
2- SEROTONIN
This neurotransmitter can balance not only your mood but also your sleep, digestion, learning, appetite memory, and ability.
3- DOPAMINE
Dopamine is the hormone responsible for feeling good. It is not only a hormone but also a neurotransmitter just like serotonin. It is an important key player in the reward system of the body. It is strongly related to sensations of pleasure, learning, motor system functions and other functions.
4- OXYTOCIN
This one is called the love hormone. It is strongly associated with all sorts of parent and child bonding such as childbirth and breastfeeding. This is why it promotes not only bonding but also trust and empathy in a relationship. The levels of oxytocin will also increase during physical and affectionate touches such as kissing, cuddling, and sex.
Now that we know what are the main hormones that make a person feel good, how can we naturally increase these levels?
1- SPEND TIME OUTDOORS
Spending time outdoors in the sunlight is a great way to boost your endorphins and serotonin levels according to a 2008 research. Try to stay for 10 to 15 minutes outside every day; go for a walk, workout, or play basketball with your friends.
2- EXERCISE
Exercising is known to have positive effects not only on your physical health but also on the emotional being. Exercising increases endorphins level in your body, and can also affect dopamine and serotonin which leaves you happy after a workout.
3- LAUGH AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Laughing releases feelings of anxiety and stress which improves your mood and boosts not only dopamine but also endorphin levels. Therefore, do not hesitate to watch and share funny videos with your friends and people you love.
4- SHARE A MEAL WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE
Eating food you find delicious helps release dopamine and endorphins in your bloodstream. Furthermore, sharing a meal with people you love, boosts bonding levels which produce oxytocin in your body. There are also certain food types that help impact these good hormones such as spicy foods, meats with low-fat content, eggs, yogurt, beans, and almonds.
5- TAKE SUPPLEMENTS
There are numerous supplements that have the ability to improve your mood by increasing your happy hormone levels, such as:
Tryptophan to increase serotonin
Tyrosine for dopamine production
Green tea to improve levels of dopamine and serotonin
Probiotics may boost serotonin and dopamine production.
