Happy Hormones For Happy You

By Simran Kohli on August 12, 2016

Happy Hormones For Happy

You will hear people say that happiness does not lie in things, money and outer world but it is right there in yourself. There is an absolute reason behind this i.e. the hormones, and if we call precisely, these are happy hormones. Human brain releases special chemicals that give the sensations of joy and happiness. These are the best moderators for swinging mood of yours. So, let’s have a look on them and how these work.

1. The Pain Reliever- Endorphins

Generally known to kill pain, endorphins make you feel good and reduce anxiety and stress level. It is efficient in its own way to decrease your sensitivity towards pain by blocking it. Usually known by everyone that anaerobic exercises (short intense ones in which oxygen demand goes beyond its availability) help brain to release more endorphins, it gives extra favor by making us go even after the reduction of oxygen in our body. It can be astonishing to know but eating spicy foods can also trigger endorphins.

The Pain Reliever- Endorphins

The receptors on tongue when come in contact with spices, give signals same as pain to brain and as a result, endorphins are released. There is another surprising trick to increase its secretion – by sniffing aromas like of lavender and vanilla. Just be aware to consume spices moderately to avoid problems related to digestion.

2. The Love Hormone- Oxytocin

Also known as cuddle or hug hormone, oxytocin is attributed to give you pleasure and happiness. It has anti-anxiety property. It is dominantly secreted during child birth and sexual activities but researches showed that it affects the areas of brains that deal with emotional, social and psychological affairs. Relaxation of mind, high capability to aid trust issues and psychological potential are ensured by this. Oxytocin is also a neuromodulator which seems to be healing for several mental illnesses like autism, social phobia and psychiatric disorders. It works in favor of women better than men.

The Love Hormone- Oxytocin

Hypothalamus in brain instantly secretes oxytocin when you get massage or affectionate touch and that is the reason why it is being named as hug or cuddle hormone. So for elevating oxytocin levels in your body, spend quality time with your loved ones.

3. Ultimate Happiness-givers: Serotonin and Dopamine

Serotonin-“the happiness hormone”, is a neurotransmitter which regulates mood and combats depression very well. It gives you inner satisfaction and leave you feeling good. It is released during aerobic exercises (low-intensity workouts). Vitamin-D obtained from sunlight also triggers serotonin. Carbohydrates-rich diet which includes eggs, salmon, pineapple, nuts, cheese, etc. and happy thoughts like good memories are also capable to encourage the secretion of serotonin. On the other hand, dopamine is exactly antagonist to serotonin. It gives you motivation to lead you towards your goal.

Ultimate Happiness-givers: Serotonin and Dopamine

Dopamine makes you focused, mentally alert and concentrated to work hard. You can achieve optimistic life through dopamine. Setting small goals triggers dopamine. Goals in exercises is the best way to do it , as it is mentioned earlier, it works opposite to serotonin, it gives pleasure after completing the goals while serotonin during the goal fulfillment. Consuming protein rich food is also a way to release dopamine even more.

4. The Mighty- Progesterone and Estrogen

These two hormones are functional more in women. Progesterone and estrogen give you good sleep, take you away from frustration and steady your mood swings. Levels of these hormones start to deplete before the menopause in women. Unhealthy food habits and smoking also cause this. Imbalances in these hormones lead you to negativity and bad mood. Estrogen works additionally by forming the happiness hormone i.e. serotonin. Indulging in stress management, yoga, meditation and other holistic activities can reduce the levels of stress hormones and elevate the amount of both of them in body. Cortisol, a stress hormone, alters the secretion and function of estrogen, so it is best to get rid of it. A good soothing and warm bath is also a way to gear up the estrogen levels. Progesterone is balanced by eating well and avoiding saturated fat, sugar as well as stress.

The Mighty- Progesterone and Estrogen

Hormones play very crucial role in building up of personality, whether it is psychological aspect or social and behavioral aspects. These control and regulate emotions. There are some other activities too by which you can achieve the results from these above mentioned hormones.

Like listening to melodious music, having a playful time with your pet, morning walk, inhaling the fragrance of a flower, breath related exercises like pranayama, rain and whatsoever which give you instant happiness. Nature has gives us so many sources of joy and happiness in the form of mountains, trees, flowers, rivers but our body is the best one in all of them by incorporated it with these hormones. Therefore, it can be said that happiness lies in oneself only.