Happy chemicals in your brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, are released through different activities, exercise, and even the food you eat. They can boost your mood and energy levels, and are often released completely naturally. Here are some things to know about these happy hormones and how to boost them naturally.
Different Types of Happy Hormones
Before discussing how to boost them, it helps to know exactly what feel-good chemicals you are focusing on. Here are some of the most common ones to consider:
- Serotonin – Some of the happy hormones are related to reducing stress and anxiety, including serotonin. If you struggle with insomnia or high levels of anxiety, then activities like exercise and being in nature can help boost your serotonin.
- Dopamine – Dopamine is the hormone that is mostly responsible for helping you feel happy. When you have something that gives you an instant boost of pleasure and joy, it is often thanks to a release of dopamine. This could be good food, watching something enjoyable, sex, or anything that connects to the reward system in your brain.
- Endorphins – You have probably heard of endorphins before, as exercise is what releases this hormone. It can give you a boost of energy and happy feelings, often maximizing pleasure.
Get Enough Exercise
Naturally, moving your body and getting exercise is going to be a great way to get those happy hormones naturally. This of course includes endorphins, but it can release dopamine and serotonin as well. The great thing is that it doesn’t have to be any specific type of exercise. While it is often referred to as the “runner’s high”, you don’t have to go running just to release endorphins. Move your body in any way that you find enjoyable, from taking a hip hop dance class to going on a hike.
Meditate
If you have never meditated before, now is a great time to start. Meditation rally helps you to de stress and reduce anxiety, find more gratitude for the good things in your life, and set some intentions. You might find that you often feel more spiritual and energized when you work on meditation. Plus, it is great for releasing serotonin.
Participate in Activities You Love
Anything that you love to do and brings pure joy and pleasure into your life can help with your happy brain chemicals. This might include shopping, cooking, eating with friends, watching something funny on TV, creative or artistic activities, cuddling, playing with dogs, and so much more.
