“Feel good” hormones are produced by different glands in the body that act as messengers. We also have “feel good” chemicals that help provide you with a positive outlook on life. By knowing how to bring out these positive chemicals, you can learn how to live a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Hormones and Neurotransmitters
Dopamine is an integral part of the brain’s reward system. Dopamine resides in the part of the brain responsible for learning, memory, motor system function, and more.
Serotonin, which regulates your appetite, sleep, digestion, learning, and memory, is also essential in achieving a positive mood.
Endorphins are your body’s natural pain reliever in response to stress or discomfort. You tend to feel these when you engage in reward-producing activities, such as when you eat a good piece of chocolate. By learning how to activate these “feel good” chemicals, you will feel happier in many of your daily activities.
Getting Outside
You can boost your endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine by spending time outside in nature. Exposure to sunlight is a great way to feel good inside.
Take a walk around your neighborhood for at least 20 minutes and look at everything around you. Looking at the green leaves on the trees and letting the sun shine on your face will help you feel happier than before you stepped outside.
Exercising outside can also help you experience a “runner’s high” of feel-good endorphins. If you are tired of walking around your neighborhood, try to find a new site to look at, such as a new park or hiking trail.
Have a Good Laugh
Even though laughter does not heal physical health issues, it can help increase your serotonin, dopamine, and endorphin levels when faced with anxiety or stress. According to a 2017 study, 12 young men triggered endorphin release after laughing together as a group.
Finding ways to laugh is easy to do. Watching a comedy special, reading from a book, or even laughing with a friend about something both of you find funny will bring out that laughter and “feel good” chemicals.
Taking Supplements
Several supplements can increase your hormone levels. For example, green tea or green tea extract can boost your serotonin and dopamine as well as probiotics.
Happiness can be achieved in many different ways. Finding activities every day to boost your feel-good chemicals can make you a happier person.
Happiness can be found all around you in everyday activities. You can boost your serotonin and dopamine levels just by taking a nice walk outside, finding something to laugh about, or any other activities that you can do with a group of loved ones. At Alta Loma, we understand the importance of happiness for mental health, and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, coping skills, education, medication management, and more. Give us a call at (866) 457-3843 to learn more about our services.
