Chemical reactions role in ....

Four pillars of emotions

Here is an inquisitive question for you- Do you let yourself overcome with emotion sometimes? Or do you think it happens naturally? It is rather confusing when we examine the factors that influence our emotions. Nonetheless, we have the advantage of controlling our emotions indirectly through our decisive actions and implementation. Let us first examine the causes that directly affect our emotions.

Our brain releases four main chemicals that control our emotions. They are serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline or epinephrine, and oxytocin.

1. Serotonin : If someone tells you that you are an emotionally strong and stable person then you have high levels of serotonin. Serotonin regulates your wellbeing and stability of your mood. You will be happy and contend.
2. Dopamine : You think you like your favourite ice cream because of the taste it has. Rather, it is dopamine that is making that particular ice cream your favourite ice cream. Our brain releases dopamine as a reward when we do things that we like or love so that we will do it again and again.
3. Adrenaline or epinephrine : Adrenaline is the built-in protective warning system. Our brain produces enough adrenaline to act immediately in cases of potential threat, fear, danger, and excitement. It is responsible for your body’s ‘flight or fight’ response.
4. Oxytocin : Oxytocin speaks the language of love. It brings trust, bonding in relationships, and empathy.

Since the level of chemicals present determines how we feel and experience emotions one should keep in mind the risk, and most importantly, how to avoid it.

1. Depression is the one that comes to mind first. Since serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine are the feel-good hormones, a decrease in their levels of production will result in depression. There is also the potential of developing addiction. It might not be harmful in the case of high levels of oxytocin resulting in a strong bonding relationship with your better-half, but it could be the case with dopamine when you abuse alcohol.
2. Low self-esteem is another that is related to low levels of three feel-good hormones.
3. And lastly, high levels of adrenaline will make you overly alert even at night, disturbing your sleep cycle. Likewise, if you see someone standing clueless before an approaching raging bull then you can presume that she/he has a low level of adrenaline.

The impact these chemicals have on us determines our emotional behaviour. But it is also the case that we can train our brain to produce more of these chemicals indirectly controlling our emotions. These simple steps could help you-

1. Exercise is the most effective way to help manage the production of chemicals in your brain.
2. Meditation helps you control the effects of chemicals if the levels exceed more than normal.
3. Exposure to sunlight
4. Adopting Pets
5. And go out often with friends and family