Simple ways to increase those feel-good hormones…
With just a few simple lifestyle changes, you can hack your hormones and increase those feel-good vibes! The four happy hormones are dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin. Each of these chemicals can contribute to better mood and improved mental and physical health:
DOPAMINE – THE PLEASURE HORMONE
The dopamine hormone works on the brain, giving a person a rush of pleasure, motivation and satisfaction. Increasing your dopamine levels can improve your:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Concentration
- Movement
- Focus
- Motivation
Exercise is a healthy and natural way to boost your dopamine levels. How do you feel after a workout or a run? Happier, more relaxed and less anxious? That’s the dopamine doing its job! Dopamine is a natural high, a feeling of achievement, and a rush of happiness, all in one.
Discover more about the benefits of exercise here.
SEROTONIN – MEGA MOOD BOOST!
The ‘mood and food’ hormone! Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the messages sent between nerve cells throughout our body. It has been strongly linked to our appetite and mood. Serotonin also affects our:
- Digestion
- Fear
- Stress response
- Sleep
- Memory
Low levels of serotonin are often linked to depression. Again, exercise can help boost your serotonin levels but did you know that exposure to bright light or sunshine can also help? That’s why people suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) often find light therapy helpful. Getting outdoors more can help you boost your serotonin – go for a short walk every day or head out into the garden for a blast of fresh air.
Read more about SAD here.
ENDORPHINS – SUPER STRESS-BUSTERS!
Meet your body’s natural painkiller and stress slayer – endorphins! A release of these magical hormones can ease pain, soothe the mind and calm anxiety. The best ways to increase your production of endorphins are:
- Laughing
- Exercising
- Meditating
- Listening to music
- Dancing
- Spending time in the sunshine
- Eating a delicious meal
Self-care and mindfulness activities are a great way to incorporate more feel-good fun and relaxation into your life, prompting your body to produce more endorphins. Being around those we love also releases endorphins, so make time to spend time with your special ones.
Discover ways to practice self-care here.
OXYTOCIN – THE LOVE HORMONE
While oxytocin plays a huge role in reproduction and childbirth, it’s also linked to bonding and trust. Oxytocin can reduce stress and anxiety, too, so stimulating the release of this happy hormone can help you cope during tough times. To boost your oxytocin levels, try:
- Yoga
- Getting or giving a massage
- Spending time with friends
- Meditating
- Cuddling
- Stroking your pet
You’ll notice a lot of these activities are focused on physical contact and that’s because a simple touch can trigger a release of oxytocin. This amazing hormone is responsible for that warm, relaxed feeling you get when someone wraps you up tight in a hug, strokes your hair or gives you a massage. When you hug, touch or sit close to someone you love, your body releases lots of lovely oxytocin, which makes you feel happier and less stressed. It’s a powerful chemical cocktail of feel-good vibes!
Read more about the power of hugs here.
