21 Ways to Hack your Happiness Hormones
Frances Masters MBACP accred GHGI AC (Fellow)
Creator of the FUSION Therapeutic Coaching Model/Positive Disruptor/ Author /Psychotherapist/Coach/Supervisor. Sign up for my LinkedIn newsletter The Super Coaches Are Coming
It's Black Friday time of year and I'm joining in with a bigger price reduction than ever before on the Distance Learner Skills Certificate.
For a time-limited period?the whole programme is reduced to just ￡375 so, if you've been waiting for the right time to raise your skills to the next level, this is probably it! You can access the programme at the reduced price for a short time on?this?link?
Last week I wrote about ventral vagal toning for emotional regulation. This week I look at ways to influence your endocrine system for increased happiness and wellbeing. This is just the kind of information we need to pass onto our clients....and is very useful self care?for us hard working therapists and coaches too!
21 Ways to Hack your Happiness Hormones
We tend not to think about the role hormones play in our daily lives although we might be aware of the big shifts that happen during the teenage years or, later in life, when the menopause hits.
Testosterone and oestrogen are familiar players in the major transitions of human development, but the reality is we are all subject to the influence of hormones in our everyday life and they actually orchestrate the symphony of our experiences more than we are aware.
What are hormones, and where do they come from?
In simple terms, hormones are tiny chemical messengers produced within the endocrine system; an intricate network of glands and organs responsible for generating and dispersing hormones into our bloodstream.
The pituitary gland, the thyroid, adrenal gland, ovaries?and testes are key components in?this system. Despite lots of recent advances in endocrinology, there’s still a lot to unravel about our hormones and much of the synergy between mind and body remains a mystery but these biochemical messengers underlie nearly every facet of our behaviour, even when we may not consciously recognise their influence.
Consider the warm glow of contentment experienced when interacting with loved ones, playing with a child or cuddling a baby.?That’s the fluffy hormone oxytocin at play, encouraging behaviours that strengthen social bonds. But what about, instead of passively waiting for the release of hormones in response to positive experiences, we intentionally trigger?them to foster healthier habits in our work, leisure, and relationships?
Ventral vagal toning exercises are fast becoming an established way of regulating our autonomic nervous system. Now we can also use our growing understanding of mind and body to hack into our endocrine system; for instance by encouraging a hug after a disagreement with a loved one, lasting 20 seconds or more. This will maximize the release of both oxytocin and serotonin; the mood-stabilizing, happiness hormone and will rekindle?feelings of closeness, reduce?stress, and signal?to your brain that you are safe and loved once again.
Introducing the Fab Four Happiness?Hormones ?
Oxytocin ? Often dubbed 'the bonding hormone,' oxytocin is released when we feel secure, connected, and close to trusted individuals. ?
Its purpose, beyond childbirth, is to fortify human bonds, foster parent-baby connections, uphold family units, and bring mates closer together. Natural stimulation methods include:
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? ? ?Serotonin ? ? ?
Serotonin is associated with mood regulation, balanced sleep patterns?and happiness.?Natural stimulation methods include:
? ? ? ?Dopamine ? ? ? ?
Known as the reward chemical, dopamine is triggered organically by?positive outcomes.? ?
It provides our body with a reason to pursue more (a crucial instinct in the wild for?sustenance and success). ? Natural stimulation methods include:
Endorphins
Heavily involved in the fight-or-flight response, endorphins act?as natural painkillers,?targeting?the? same opiate receptors in the brain as morphine. They?help?manage pain, alleviate stress?and?enhance pleasure. ?Natural stimulation methods include:
These are just a few self-care practices that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine to hack your happiness hormones. So now, as well as raising?your skills to the next level, you can raise your happiness?the the next level too! ?
Elevate your skills
If you want to raise your skills to the next level, take a look at the Fusion Therapeutic Coaching programmes here
There is a waiting list for?the?spring 2024 Diploma but ?there is no waiting list?for the NCFE customised distance learning Therapeutic Coaching Skills Certificate.
You can follow this?link?for immediate?purchase of your Skills Workbook.