Happiness is a positive emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, satisfaction, and well-being.
It is a subjective experience that varies from person to person, and it can be influenced by a wide range of factors – individual temperament, life circumstances, relationships, health, attitude, paradigm and personal values.
The benefits of happiness
Research suggests that happy people tend to have better overall mental health, higher levels of life satisfaction, and stronger social connections.
Happy people may also experience improved physical health, including a stronger immune system and lower risk of certain diseases.
The Yin and Yang of happiness
Happiness is not a constant state, but rather a fleeting and fluctuating emotion.
Human emotion is just like Yin and Yang in Eastern philosophy – a state of constant change at each moment in time.
Happy one moment and then sad, anxious, or scared the next.
The more we train our mind and understand it, the more we are able to maintain emotional equilibrium for longer periods of time.
What is happiness to you?
Of course happiness means different things to different people.
Many people associate happiness with external factors, such as achievements, material possessions, or social status.
Others focus on internal factors, such as personal values, attitudes, mindset, and sense of purpose.
However you define happiness, we all share the same brain chemicals responsible for that happy state.
In other words, happiness is a phenomenon that can be cultivated and nurtured.
DOSE: Encouraging the happy chemicals in your brain
Now, let’s explore how to create your daily DOSE of happiness!
DOSE, in this context, stands for the four happiness chemicals in the brain, also known as neurotransmitters:
- Dopamine
- Oxytocin
- Serotonin
- Endorphins
These chemicals play a crucial role in influencing our emotions and promoting feelings of joy, well-being, and balance.
Let’s delve into how these chemicals work in our brain and how to stimulate their production for your overall happiness and emotional well-being.
#1) Dopamine: The reward and motivation conductor
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.
To harness the power of dopamine:
- Set goals and celebrate achievements. Breaking down larger goals into smaller milestones and recognizing your progress triggers the release of dopamine.
- Engage in activities you love. Whether it’s playing an instrument, painting, or dancing, indulge in activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.
#2) Oxytocin: The bonding agent of connection and love
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” is responsible for fostering trust, empathy, and human connection.
In recent exciting clinical trials, MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promise in reducing stress and trauma, with potential approval from the U.S. FDA on the horizon.
While the full mechanism of action is still being investigated, it is known that MDMA promotes the release of oxytocin. But we do not need to go through MDMA therapy to increase our oxytocin.
Here are other ways that you can increase oxytocin levels:
- Spend quality time with loved ones. Engaging in meaningful conversations, shared experiences, showing affection, or simply being present with those you care about boosts oxytocin.
- Perform acts of kindness: A kind word, a helping hand, or a small gesture of generosity towards others can release oxytocin in both the giver and receiver.
#3) Serotonin: The mood stabilizer for calm and contentment
Serotonin plays a vital part in regulating mood, promoting a sense of well-being and contentment.
Psilocybin aka the magic mushroom can play a helpful role here. In fact, research shows psilocybin promotes serotonin activities.
For optimized results, psilocybin is best utilized with the support of an experienced guide or therapist as it has one of the most profoundly complex effects on our brain, mind, and body.
You can elevate your serotonin levels without psilocybin through these simple activities:
- Engage in regular exercise. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like jogging or cycling, stimulates the production of serotonin.
- Spend time outdoors. Immerse yourself in nature and soak up the sun’s rays. Let nature’s radiance enhance your serotonin levels.
- Sleep also plays a significant role in promoting serotonin levels in the brain. During sleep, the body undergoes various processes that support neurotransmitter regulation, including serotonin. When you have quality sleep, your body is better able to produce and release serotonin. Conversely, sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can disrupt serotonin production and lead to imbalances.
#4) Endorphins: The natural joy generators
Endorphins are nature’s painkillers, responsible for feelings of euphoria and pleasure.
To unleash your endorphins through food, exercise and mindfulness:
- Exercise: Engaging in physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like running, dancing, or cycling, can lead to the release of endorphins. Aim for regular exercise sessions to experience the mood-boosting benefits.
- Laughter: Laughing can stimulate the release of endorphins. Watch a comedy, spend time with funny friends, or engage in activities that bring joy and laughter to your life.
- Spicy Foods: Eating spicy foods, like chili peppers, can trigger a release of endorphins. This is often associated with the “spicy sensation” that can create a temporary rush of pleasurable feelings.
- Dark Chocolate: Consuming dark chocolate, which contains an endogenous compound called phenylethylamine (PEA), can also have a positive effect on your energy and mood – similar to the endorphins your body creates naturally. Low PEA levels in the body are typically associated with introversion, low energy levels, and feelings of unhappiness, which could be why people love chocolate so much!
- Massage or Acupuncture: Receiving a massage or undergoing acupuncture treatments can stimulate the release of endorphins due to the relaxation and pain-relieving effects these therapies provide.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Practicing meditation or mindfulness techniques has been associated with increased endorphin levels. These practices can promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Happiness is a journey
Happiness is an intricate journey, influenced by various factors. By understanding and intentionally promoting the release of “DOSE,” we can create a positive impact on our emotional well-being.
