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Happiness is on the decline in the United States, with the younger generation at the most risk for depression and sadness. While challenges in life can cause negative memories, there are several things you can do to enjoy the little things that put a smile on your face, and the hormones of happiness are an excellent starting point.
Diving into the types of happy hormones can provide a pathway toward happiness and fulfillment. You can do several things to boost these hormones naturally to benefit your mental and physical health. Read on to learn about hormones like serotonin, dopamine and endorphins and their long-term benefits.
What Are Hormones of Happiness?
Hormones are chemicals produced naturally in the body. Each plays a specific function in optimizing mental and physical wellness. Different glands produce them, and they travel through the bloodstream, playing a role in bodily functions and acting as messengers.
One of the most critical functions of hormones is mood regulation. Certain hormones can improve moods, promote positive perspectives and increase feelings of happiness and pleasure. The top four hormones of happiness are:
- Dopamine
- Oxytocin
- Serotonin
- Endorphins
Each hormone has its own specific effects and has natural ways to increase the feelings it generates. It’s worth taking a closer look at each to understand your body, mind and health.
Dopamine
Dopamine is the feel-good neurotransmitter hormone that acts as the brain’s reward system. It’s common to associate dopamine with learning, memory and pleasurable sensations. However, you can naturally boost dopamine to improve mood.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is called the love hormone because it’s essential for childbirth, strong parent-child bonds and breastfeeding. It can also help promote stronger bonds, empathy and trust in relationships. Physical affection is one of the most effective natural ways to boost oxytocin in the body and mind.
Serotonin
Serotonin is similar to dopamine in that it aids with emotional regulation and moods. In addition to mood, serotonin can affect digestion, appetite, sleep and learning ability.
Endorphins
Endorphins act as your natural pain reliever. The body produces and releases endorphins when responding to stress and discomfort in daily life.
Many people find that endorphin production increases during reward-producing activities. Everyday activities you can use include exercise, sexual activity and eating your favorite foods.
Natural Ways to Boost Happy Hormones
Boosting your hormones in natural ways can be a fun and rewarding experience. The best way to start is by discovering the activities and strategies you can utilize to aid hormone production. Here’s an in-depth look at the activities you can use to begin producing more hormones of happiness.
Go Outside
Spending time outdoors is a fantastic way to boost serotonin production in your body. Time spent in sunlight expands serotonin production due to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Aim to spend 15 or more minutes in sunlight a few days a week to notice a difference in your happiness and health. You can explore new parks and settings to stimulate your mind and discover new activities you enjoy in the great outdoors.
Start an Exercise Routine
Exercise has several physical health benefits, but it also has an impressive impact on your mental wellness. For example, a runner’s high is a substantial burst of endorphins that occurs during exercise.
Exercise does more than work on endorphins. It also boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, leaving you feeling positive and accomplished after the workout. It’s an excellent option if you’re increasing the natural production of the hormones of happiness.
Get Out and Socialize
Socializing with friends and family can do wonders for happy hormone production. One of the most effective social activities to boost those hormones is laughter. It won’t treat serious health issues, but it can relieve feelings of anxiety and stress.
The increase in dopamine and endorphins caused by laughter effectively improves a low or inconsistent mood. To boost hormone production, enjoy a funny conversation with friends, watch a comedy movie or attend a stand-up comedy show.
Try Supplements
You can try several effective supplements to boost happy hormones. Tyrosine is effective for increasing dopamine, and green tea extract helps with serotonin.
Probiotics can aid in serotonin and dopamine production while balancing your gut microbiome. Supplements can be helpful, but for the best results, it’s beneficial to explore how they interact with other medications and health conditions.
Listen to Music
Music has power over emotions, but did you know it can also naturally boost hormone production? Listening to or playing music makes you feel good because it actively boosts your happy hormones.
Getting chills from instrumental music comes from an uptick in dopamine production. Listening to music you enjoy can also put you in a better mood. Concerts are an effective way to boost natural hormone production.
Long-Term Benefits of Hormone Balance
The short-term benefits of the hormones of happiness can carry over into your long-term future if you remain consistent. Exploring those benefits can help you get more from life. Here’s a look at what your future can entail when you achieve hormonal balance.
Improved Mood
Hormonal balance is beneficial if you look forward to a future with lower stress and anxiety. Having that balance can produce an elevated and peaceful mood that helps you get the most out of your life.
It’s an effective method to keep depression away as you get older. Women can also benefit long-term by enjoying more hormonal balance when entering menopause.
Energy
Increased energy is another long-term benefit you can look forward to when you achieve hormonal balance with help from happy hormones. You’ll wake up feeling well-rested and with the energy you need to achieve your daily goals.
Better Heart Health
Hormonal balance can help you achieve better cardiovascular health. Reduced stress and anxiety cause your heart to work less, promoting better blood pressure and heart function. You reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by boosting your hormones.
Discover Happiness and Health Today
Finding happiness and fulfillment in life can help you achieve your goals and enjoy increased satisfaction, and it starts with learning about and prioritizing your mental health. If you’re feeling down, contact us 24-7 to speak with one of our compassionate counselors and get your mental health heading in a positive direction today.
