Happy hormones: What they are and how to boost them

Hormones are chemicals produced by various glands throughout the body. They travel through the circulatory system and play a role in many bodily processes.

One of their important functions is to help regulate your mood.

Certain hormones are known to help promote positive feelings, including happiness and pleasure.

And so these Hormones of happiness are

Dopamine

Also known as the feel-good hormone, dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is an important part of your brain's reward system. Dopamine is associated with pleasurable sensations, along with learning, memory, motor system function, and more.

Serotonin

 This hormone (and neurotransmitter) helps regulate your mood, as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory.

Oxytocin

 Often called the "love hormone," oxytocin is essential for birth, breastfeeding, and a healthy parent-child bond. This hormone can also help promote trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships, and oxytocin levels typically increase with physical affection such as kissing, cuddling, and sex.

Endorphins

Endorphins are the body's natural pain reliever that is produced in response to stress or discomfort. Endorphin levels also tend to rise when you engage in activities such as eating, exercising, or having sex.

How to boost the Happiness Hormones?

Here are some answers to the question:

Go outside

Want to boost your endorphin and serotonin levels? Spending time outdoors in the sunlight is a great way to do this.

According to a 2008 study, exposure to sunlight can increase the production of both serotonin and endorphins.

Start with at least 10 to 15 minutes outside every day. If you're tired of the same old sights, try exploring a new neighborhood or park.

Make time for exercise

Exercise has many benefits for physical health. They can also have a positive impact on emotional well-being.

 Regular physical activity can also increase endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin levels, making it a great option for boosting your happy hormones.

Have a laugh

Who hasn't heard the old saying, "Laughter is the best medicine"?

Of course, laughing won't fix current health problems. But it can help relieve feelings of anxiety or stress and improve a bad mood by increasing dopamine and endorphin levels.

In addition, the sharing of something funny with a loved one maybe even to trigger the release of oxytocin.

Cook (and enjoy) a favorite meal with a loved one

This tip could, in theory, increase all 4 happy hormones.

The pleasure you get from eating something tasty can trigger the release of dopamine along with endorphins. Sharing a meal with someone you love and bonding over its preparation can boost oxytocin levels.

Certain foods can also have an impact on hormone levels, so keep the following in mind when planning a happy hormone-boosting meal plan:

• Spicy foods can trigger endorphin release

• Yogurt, beans, eggs, lean meats, and almonds are just a few foods associated with dopamine release

• foods high in tryptophan are associated with increased levels of serotonin

• foods containing probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut can affect hormone release

Try supplements

There are several add-ons, that can help to boost your happy hormone levels. Here are just a few:

• tyrosine (related to dopamine production)

• green tea and green tea extract (dopamine and serotonin)

• probiotics (can boost serotonin and dopamine production)

• tryptophan (serotonin)

Experts studying the effects of supplements have found mixed results. Many studies only involved animals, so more research is needed to support the benefits of supplements in humans.

Listen to music

Music can boost more than one happy hormone. Listening to instrumental music can increase the production of

Simply listening to music you like can help lift your mood. This positive change in your mood can increase serotonin production.

Musicians can also experience an endorphin release when they create music.

Meditatedo

If you're familiar with meditation, you may already know about its many health benefits, from improving sleep to reducing stress.

A 2002 study linked many of the benefits of meditation with increased dopamine production during of practice. Research from 2011 also suggests that meditation can stimulate endorphin release.

Play with the pet

If you have a dog, giving your furry friend some affection is a great way to boost your oxytocin levels.

According to a 2014 study by a trusted source, dog owners and their dogs see an increase in oxytocin when they cuddle.

Even if you don't own a dog, you may feel an oxytocin boost when you see a dog you know and like.

Go for a massage

If you enjoy massages, here's another reason to get one: Massage can increase all four happy hormones.

According to various studies since 2004, serotonin and dopamine levels increase after massage.

We also show you a wonderful video of Milena Goleva - The Three Kinds of Happiness: