Happiness is an emotion that we all seek, yet it is elusive. But what if I told you that happiness is within easy reach and that each of us can find it every single day?

The secret to happiness lies within us – in the happiness hormones. Our bodies produce four key hormones that influence our mood, energy levels and overall sense of wellbeing. Let’s understand the happiness hormones and how to boost them every day.

There are four happiness hormones: Oxytocin, Dopamine, Endorphins and Serotonin. A daily dose of these hormones can ensure an overall sense of wellbeing. Here’s more on the four hormones.

  1. Oxytocin – The Love Hormone

Oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’ is what is responsible for the mother-child bond as a huge amount of oxytocin rushes through a woman’s body when she gives birth to a child. This hormone is responsible for trust, empathy and bonding in relationships. To stimulate this hormone, we can engage in any of these activities:

  • Eat a good meal
  • Hug a friend
  • Pet your dog or cat
  • Spend time with family and friends
  • Enjoy a romantic evening
  • Help someone in need
  • Play with kids

2. Dopamine – The Feel Good Hormone

Dopamine is the feel good hormone and can be activated in one of these ways:

  • Cook and enjoy a meal together
  • Listen to good music
  • Meditate
  • Get a good night’s sleep

3. Endorphins – The Natural Pain Relievers

Endorphins are hormones which are the natural pain relievers which are produced  when you experience stress or discomfort. They can be activated by doing the following:

  • Exercise
  • Dance
  • Practice Yoga and
  • Laugh or do Laughter Yoga 

4. Serotonin – The Mood Regulator

Serotonin is responsible for regulating our mood. It can be stimulated by one of the following ways:

  • Get some sunlight, preferably before 10:00 AM
  • Meditate
  • Spend time in nature

Now that we know about the happiness hormones, instead of searching for happiness outside, we can plan to intentionally include a few of these activities in our day to get our quota of happiness. How about walking in nature in the morning? You’ll get plenty of sunlight (serotonin), exercise (endorphins) and the greenery will calm your senses.

Cook a healthy and nutritious meal and share it with your family-that’s oxytocin and dopamine! There is so much joy in simple things!

Please share your way of activating the happiness hormones.

You could read this article from HealthLine to know more about happiness hormones.

How to Hack Your Hormones for a Better Mood

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