I am sure that many of you have experienced that after doing a certain activity you feel totally different or you feel much better after having a bad time, but what’s behind it scientifically? Actually, happiness is a pretty complicated part of our life but here is some interesting information about being happy!
First of all, it’s good to know that there are four major hormones that have a great role in our emotions: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. All of these have their own characteristics and several ways to alter them.
Starting with the one that we might know from TikTok and pleasure that is generated by scrolling social media, dopamine is often known as the reward chemical. You can get a dopamine rush from using instagram or watching short videos but a better way is to stick to naturally generated dopamine, such as listening to music or writing an easy to-do list and completing short tasks. You also have to know that it’s possible to have happiness hormone deficiency. In case of dopamine deficiency it means feeling hopelessness about your abilities, being anxious, or experiencing low-self esteem.
Serotonin is usually associated as the mood stabilizer. You get serotonin from exercising, meditating, or spending some time outside. Lack of serotonin shows in being overly sensitive, experiencing social phobia, or insomnia.
Moving on, the next one is oxytocin. I think it’s pretty well-known that it’s the love hormone. Oxytocin can be generated by being affectionate with someone, hugging someone, or spending quality time with your partner. The lack of oxytocin leads to feeling lonely or disconnected from friends, being oversensitive, and having insomnia and low-mood.
Finishing with endorphin, also called the pain reliever. You get endorphin from laughing alone or with friends, being comforted by someone you love, or creating art or music.
My final thought is that even if it seems a small thing it really is important to take care of our happiness and if it’s needed to take control over them. The overall lack of happiness can lead to serious consequences in the long run. I personally experienced this due to anxiety and fear because of school, and not taking care of your happiness can really take its toll on one’s overall health and everyday life. Take time to regain your sparkle.
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