Did you know that happiness creates success, and NOT the other way around?
Mental health plays a very critical role when it comes to being contented and accomplishments in virtually all areas of life. Fortunately for us, we have our brain, the brain is always on our side whenever we aim to succeed.
Having just basic knowledge of a few certain areas and key chemicals in our brain, we would be able to trigger them in order to fulfill our goals with greater ease. These happy chemicals aren't nearly as mysterious or complicated to understand as we often think, rather, they all create logical connections which can be supported by simply making a few simple tweaks in one's daily routine and habits.
Let me introduce you to those happy hormones in the brain which keep the body feeling good.
Happy Hormones In The Brain and How To Boost Them
- Dopamine; For Pleasure and Motivation
Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter which is used by the nerves to transmit messages. Dopamine allows us to feel bliss, pleasure, euphoria and motivation. The moment a nerve releases dopamine, it passes a very little gap in the brain called a synapse, after that it then attaches itself to a dopamine receptor on the next available nerve.
Basically, when dopamine levels are low in the brain, our message would not be properly transmitted. This has a large impact on our mood, cognition, learning, movemen, tattention, sleep and behaviour. Whenever the feeling of procrastination, lack enthusiasm or self-doubt pops up. These are strong signals from the brain saying we are low on dopamine.
It’s quite easy to increase dopamine levels, just about eight hours of sleep per day and consistent exercise to help keep dopamine in balance. The brain also releases a little bit of these dopamime the moment you achieve or succeed at something.
So a good means of getting a ‘hit’ of dopamine regularly is to break your goals into smaller tasks, which would be easily achievable, just so you continuously get to feel good about the process.
Additionally, endeavour to always celebrate your ‘little’ goals attained, as they are also helping you, step by step in achieving the bigger goal. Irrespective of how little they goal might seem, it's definitely worth the recognition and it will surely boost your dopamine levels.
- Endorphins; Makes You Happy
The release of Endorphins into the bloodstream occurs the very moment one has exercised, then it leaves you feeling very much energized and in a much better mood for the rest of the day. Endorphins are the perfect counter balance to stress; thus the more endorphins you release, the less stress would be experienced.
Alongside regular exercise, laughter happens to be one of the easiest ways to being about the release of endorphin. There are a good number of studies which are in support of how spicy foods and chocolates help in the release of happy hormones. Thus, you should consider keeping a stash of dark chocolate around just for a quick boost of endorphin
- Love is Blind with Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the love hormone which creates intimacy and trust, it also builds strong and healthy relationships. it's often referred to as a cuddle hormone, as it is very essential for the creation of powerful bonds and the improvement of good social interactions.
Oxytocin, just as the name suggests, a very easy way to keep oxytocin continuously flowing is by giving someone not a hug ot a handshake. Oxytocin is that hormone which allows us to feel love and connection alike. Factually, whenever we experience an increase of oxytocin, it brings about a more intuitive feeling to the needs of others. Receiving a gift from someone would make your oxytocin levels rise.
You can strengthen work and personal relationships through the simple gift of a massive hug
- Serotonin Controls Our Moods
Whenever you feel satisfied or accomplished about something, there is a free flow of serotonin. However, lack of serotonin could make you feel quite lonely, unhappy and bleak. An unhealthy attention-seeking behavior could also be an out-cry for serotonin. Since the brain isn't able to tell the difference between what’s real and imagined, therefore it produces serotonin in both cases. Gratitude practices thus necessary quite popular as they remind us that we are valued and have much to value in life.
For a serotonin boost during a stressful day, you might need to take out a few moments to reflect on past victories and accomplishments. You could also engage in a random act of kindness, or perhaps a text partner or group of friends telling them how much you appreciate them.
You can also spend some time on re-living out a cherished moment, just in your head. All these are quite simple mood boosters. Vitamin D (from the sun) also helps to expand the brain’s production of serotonin.
What am I saying? You should just do the things which you love and makes you happy. The human brain is a muscle, so you need to exercise it on a regular basis.
Do something different. Do something new. Stay curious.
Anytime you happen to experience something new, it actually helps in stimulating and transforming the brain. So do not get stuck while doing the same old things you used to do. The only way to change the structure of your brain is to explore, experiment, and try out something new to maximise how you can make use of your brain for your own benefit.