Have you ever felt a rush of joy after spending time with loved ones or accomplishing a challenging task? That sense of euphoria is thanks to your happy hormones (and your brain’s reward system)!
The happy hormones include:
- Serotonin, which helps regulate mood and social behavior.
- Endorphins, which are released during exercise and activities like laughter and sex, also contribute to feelings of happiness and can even act as pain relievers.
- Oxytocin, sometimes called the "love hormone," which plays a role in bonding and strengthens social connections.
- Dopamine, which controls pleasure and reward-motivated behavior.
Needless to say, it's no wonder why you may feel lousy when your chemical messengers are out of balance. But don't worry, you can do several things to get them back on track again! Here are a few tips to get started:
1. Laugh More
Did you know that laughing can be good for your health? Not only does it make us feel good, but it also stimulates dopamine and endorphin release — those mood-boosting hormones that can improve our overall well-being.
Plus, laughing helps to relieve stress and tension, keeping our physical and mental health in check. So why not incorporate a little more laughter into your daily routine? Here are some ideas to bring on the giggles:
- Watch a funny movie
- Hang out with your funniest friend
- Listen to a silly podcast
- Browse the internet for memes
2. Get Steamy
Looking for a little pick-me-up? Why not try hitting the sauna or steam room? Studies have shown that spending time in heated environments can increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Plus, the heat not only relaxes your muscles but also releases endorphins, those happy hormones that give us that delicious natural high.
So next time you're feeling down, try adding a sauna or steam room sesh to your wellness routine, and you'll be feeling happier in no time.
Don't live near one of these hot spots? A hot bath or shower can also have similar effects; just make sure to stay hydrated and wash with a pH-balancing cleanser (like ours) to keep your vaginal flora happy and healthy, too.
3. Eat Dark Chocolate
Did you know that nibbling on dark chocolate can help boost your mood (and serotonin levels)? It's true!
The delicious treat contains compounds called phenylethylamine and serotonin, both of which act as neurotransmitters in the brain to increase feelings of happiness and well-being. But before you go overboard with the chocolate binges, remember that moderation is key. Too much of anything isn’t always a good thing — chocolate included.
4. Have Sex
When it comes to feeling good and boosting happiness, the old adage holds true: sex really is the best medicine. Not only does sexual intimacy bring pleasure and closeness to a partner, it also increases endorphin and oxytocin release in the brain.
These happy hormones not only contribute to positive feelings and decreased stress levels, but they can also boost self-esteem and overall satisfaction with life. And who couldn't use a little extra cheer in their daily routine? So go ahead and indulge in some steamy intercourse. Your mind, as well as your body (wink, wink), will thank you for it.
Hot Tip: While post-coital cuddles and snuggles are cozy, giving some TLC to our intimate areas is important when the deed is done. Clean your vulva and promote a healthy vaginal flora with the Mini Do It All Wipes.
5. Listen to Happy Vibes
Research has shown that listening to happy songs can stimulate the release of feel-good hormones, increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Incorporating a little music into your daily routine can positively impact your mood and overall well-being.
So next time you're feeling a little sad, try putting on an upbeat playlist or jamming out to some feel-good tunes. You might be surprised at how much better you feel afterward. And don't just limit yourself to one genre — let your emotions guide you, and listen to whatever makes you happy!
From pop to rock to classical to country, there's a happy song for everyone. So put on those headphones and get ready for some serious mood-boosting jams.
6. Catch Quality Zzzs
Do you want to hop on the happy hormones train? Then make sure to board the sleep express! That's right, getting enough rest is one of the best ways to increase those feel-good chemicals in your brain.
When we sleep, our bodies produce higher levels of serotonin and dopamine — two of the main hormones responsible for our mood and happiness. Not getting enough shut-eye can lead to decreased levels of these hormones, resulting in feeling grumpy and irritable.
So next time you're tempted to stay up late scrolling through social media or binge-watching that new show, remember that a good night's sleep could help you to wake up feeling like a million bucks.
You can support your sleep quality by:
- Keeping your room nice and cool
- Winding down by reading or journaling before bed
- Avoiding caffeine in the evening
- Turning on a fan for some white noise
7. Spend Time With Loved Ones
We all know how good it feels to be around loved ones, but did you know that spending time with those closest to us can increase our happiness hormones? Studies have shown that social interaction supports dopamine and serotonin production, boosting our mood and making us feel good.
So next time you're wondering how to uplift your mood, grab a coffee with a friend or plan a dinner with family. Not only will quality time with loved ones lift your spirits, but it will also strengthen the bonds that bring joy to our lives.
Plus, who doesn't love an excuse for some much-needed quality time with the important people in our lives? So take some time to gather those dear to you — your brain (and heart) will thank you for it.
8. Lace Up Your Sneakers
It is no big secret that exercise can lead to an overall feeling of well-being, but did you know that it actually increases the release of happy hormones in our brains, too? And what better way to get some exercise than by lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement? Running, walking, or playing a sport can all be great options to get those feel-good chemicals flowing.
Don't like running alone? Grab a workout buddy or join a team for added motivation and camaraderie. Before you know it, you'll be running towards happiness with each step.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for natural ways to increase your happiness hormones, we have some great suggestions for you. From laughter to sex and retail therapy to bubble baths, find out which activities can help boost your mood and keep those feel-good chemicals flowing!
Can’t seem to flip that frown upside down? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for advice. Feeling blue every once in a while is perfectly normal, but if it’s something you can’t seem to shake despite your best efforts, help is right around the corner. You’ve got this!
Sources:
Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke | Mayo Clinic
Serotonin & Dopamine: The Neurological Benefits of Chocolate | Global Food, Health, and Society