Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, Estrogen, Progesterone & Endorphins are responsible for making us feel GOOD. That is why the way we live impacts them greatly. How we live our lifes affects them, and in return, they affect the way we live.
So, how do we make that a happy process?
Endorphins
- they make you feel ecstatic! They also obstruct any feelings of pain
Easily stimulated by chocolate, but mainly released when exercising, these happiness helpers are perfect for training sessions. They help you enjoy your workout and not feel the pain you’re putting your body through.
Some even get addicted to it and go to great athletic lengths just to experience the ‘‘runner’s high”. Have you ever experienced that?
Estrogen
- it decides if carbs or fat will be your body’s fuel during your workout
Those of us with higher levels of estrogen (women) tend to burn more fat, while people with lower levels of estrogen (men) tend to burn more carbs.
It also helps form serotonin and it is responsible for protecting you against increased anxiety and balancing your mood. In order to keep those levels high, try stress relieving/focus oriented activities like meditation or yoga – or even a hot bath.
Progesterone
- it prevents anxiety and helps you sleep well!
Estrogen & Progesterone are required to be in balance with each other. And in order to keep Progesterone levels high, the first thing you need to do is to eat healthy. Of course, supplements exist on the market, but before undertaking such a treatment, eating right and avoiding saturated fats and sugar can do the trick.
Dopamine
- it drives hedonistic behavior.
It is literally released every time you do something accomplishing. It’s a ‘reward oriented’ neurotransmitter.
Setting realistic daily goals such as sticking to your workout schedule, ‘do housekeeping with training intensity’, or ‘lift 365 pounds for 5 reps x 10 sets’ will give you your daily dose of dopamine and motivation.
People with low levels of dopamine tend to overeat (and gain weight) because eating quickly raises dopamine levels. But exercising can do the same and overcome the need to eat.
Listening to music also boosts up your dopamine levels. No wonder so many people have a great time working out with their headphones on!
Serotonin
- it’s a mood-boosting neurotransmitter!
The quickest and easiest way to increase your serotonin levels is to exercise daily for a few minutes. When you're having a bad day and you just decide to go for a walk, you immediately begin feeling better – that’s because of serotonin.
It also helps you rest better and works with endorphins to help you enjoy your workout sessions.
Carbs help increase your levels of serotonin, so for the best and least negative boost, choose high in fiber, healthy carbs like whole-grain bread, bananas, sweet potatoes, oranges, etc.
Oxytocin
- the love hormone!
Spending time with people you love boosts your love hormone levels. Stress blocks the release of oxytocin, so when you feel stressed just go and spend a little time with someone you love and who makes you feel loved.
The love hormone is more efficient for women than men and its release is directly linked to life satisfaction levels. While it makes women more friendly, it makes men more competitive – and if channeled the right way, that can help with your workout session as well.
To boost your levels, just cuddle with you partner or workout together. If you don’t have one, cuddle with your pet and maybe take it for a walk – that will make both of you quite happy!
Happiness Hormones are easily maintained once you get the hang of things. It’s obvious that they have a psychological impact and vice versa. The key is synergy.
Make conscious choices and try to set daily goals for yourself. Stick to your workout schedule, cook the meal you’ve decided is the healthiest for you – don’t just fall into the trap of ordering junk after a long day’s work.
You deserve to be happy, and good health makes you happy. Such as happiness makes you healthy. Treat yourself to a little bit of chocolate every once in a while and work out to your favorite music!
Happiness is easy. It’s simple. And it comes from within. Literally.
Out of all above, what is your favorite ‘happy thing’ to do?
Do you know of any other happy-hormone-boosts that we didn’t mention? Let us know!
