Have you ever wondered what makes you feel happy? We know that you will have a whole list of things that bring you joy but let’s approach this question from a more objective and technical standpoint. Irrespective of the aggressor, the real reasons for that grin on your face are "happy hormones''. In this blog, we shall talk about the meaning of these feel-good hormones and also discuss their place in setting the tone for your overall well-being, mood and emotions.
What are Happy Hormones? Why Are They Known As Happy Hormones
Let us get into the intricacy of happy hormones to learn about their amazing nature. These hormones can be described as a group of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate your mood.
These hormones work in synergy to create feelings of happiness while helping to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. In addition to the functioning of these feel-good hormones, your genetic fibre and various other endogenic (internal) and exogenic (external) factors also play a defining role in your happiness levels. (1)
These hormones have earned the nickname of happy hormones due to their association with feelings of happiness and well-being when they are released into the brain. When these hormones are released in balanced amounts, they can contribute to a positive perspective towards life and a beautiful sense of fulfilment.
Happy Hormones To Make You Feel Good:
Here is a lowdown of the 4 happy hormones that are imperative for helping you sail through your day in a sprightly manner: (2)
Oxytocin
This happy hormone is also referred to as the "love hormone" and majorly influences bonding and trust-building, and nurtures a sense of loyalty in individuals. It is often released by our bodies when we engage in an intimate interaction (hugging, deep conversations, etc.) with another individual. Besides the above mentioned feeling, Oxytocin is also helpful during reproduction as it helps in triggering labour contractions and aids breastfeeding in women. Low levels of oxytocin can cause poor communication skills, a sense of fear and anxiety, insomnia, irritability, sugar cravings, etc.
Serotonin
Serotonin is also known as the "happiness hormone," and it is a key regulator of your mood, sleep, appetite, and overall emotional well-being. Serotonin promotes sleep quality, boosts your self confidence, helps in preventing depression, maintaining blood pressure, and promoting feelings of contentment. Lack of serotonin can cause mood disorders, feelings of sadness, aggressive behaviour, and even eating disorders.
Dopamine
This hormone is regarded as the "reward molecule," and it is crucial for aiding motivation and motor activity within the brain. Dopamine works on the brain's reward pathways and contributes to feelings of pleasure and drive. Dopamine is also a vital part of developing addiction or other pleasure-seeking behaviour. Very high levels of dopamine can be corroborated with euphoria, addiction, and a hazy sense of reality, and low levels can cause depression and loss of contentment in life activities.
Endorphins
Endorphins can be termed as natural painkillers that are related by your body in response to stress or exertion. Endorphins are instrumental in reducing pain and making way for feelings of happiness and well-being. The feelings dissipated by these hormones can be equated with a "runner's high" that can be experienced by a person after intense exercise.
Tips To Produce These Hormones In Your Body:
We have listed some of the best ways to naturally boost the production of brain-happy hormones in your body:
Regular Exercise
Be consistent with physical activities like walking, jogging, yoga, or aerobics to stimulate the release of happy hormones, which can work wonders for your mood and reduce stress.
Sleep Well
You must focus on getting enough sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can have a detrimental impact on your serotonin and dopamine levels. This can cause disturbances and irritability in your mood.
Practice Mindfulness
You can try incorporating mindfulness practices such as spending time outdoors, meditation and gratitude into your daily routine. This helps reduce stress, aid relaxation, and boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain.
Consume A Balanced Diet
You must have a diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats etc. Moreover your micro and macro nutrient levels should also be in check. To support that, you can also take menopause supplements from Menoveda if you happen to be in your menopausal phase.
Seek Professional Guidance
If you experience persistent feelings of sadness, or depression, it could be caused by hormonal imbalance, menopause or some other health condition as well. Seek support from a mental health professional for tailored support. You can even book an online consultation with doctors on Menoveda to explore your situation in greater detail.
We hope that the above-mentioned information will acquaint you with the power of happy hormones. Their significance in development of emotional resilience is very important, as they act like catalysts that propel you onto a journey of greater happiness and holistic well-being. To that end, you can visit Menoveda and browse through their mood relief tablets such as Akira and Amaya. Feel free to book an online consultation to enhance your understanding of mould fluctuations and hormonal disturbances during menopause.
FAQs On Happy Hormones:
What are Happy hormones also known as?
Happy hormones are also known as endorphins or feel-good hormones.
How important are happy hormones for the body?
Happy hormones are very important for enabling you to keep a happy disposition and a positive outlook towards life. It also improves your personality and overall productivity.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449495/
- https://www.ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2203086.pdf
