Feeling Down? Boost Your 'Feel-Good' Hormone - Aarti Sahu

Why do certain people and events bring us joy and soothe our minds? Have you ever wondered why some days you feel motivated enough to conquer the world, while on other days, you find it challenging to get out of bed? The answer is hormones!

Our moods are influenced by chemical messengers in our brains, commonly referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These hormones include Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, which are responsible for our emotions.

Dopamine, also known as the reward chemical, plays a crucial role in experiencing pleasure. Activities such as eating a delicious meal, listening to music, getting a massage, or completing a workout trigger the release of dopamine, generating feelings of well-being and motivating us to seek out enjoyable activities.

Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," is essential for healthy parent-child relationships, pregnancy, and lactation. It fosters empathy, connection, and trust, and research has linked oxytocin to life satisfaction levels.

Serotonin stabilizes our mood, emotions, and sense of well-being and happiness. It also aids in reducing our fears and concerns and is linked to memory and learning. Serotonin is naturally induced by everyday activities such as taking a walk in the sunshine, getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, or engaging in stress-relieving self-care.

Endorphins are hormones that act as natural painkillers and are released in response to stress or discomfort. Levels can also rise as a result of rewarding activities like eating a favorite meal or exercising.

Here are three quick ways to harness these happy hormones:

Get outside - spending time outside in the sunlight increases serotonin levels. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Move - any form of movement, such as exercise, yoga, zumba, or aerobics, is essential for physical and emotional well-being.

Meditate - if you're familiar with meditation, you may already be aware of its many health advantages, ranging from stress reduction to better sleep.

By understanding how our bodies produce and respond to these happy hormones, we can take control of our well-being and cultivate a happier, more fulfilling life.