Sometimes it is all about simple biology. Happiness , might seem like an abstract subject but finally all boils down to our chemical messengers. Four Hormones that can boost your happiness are Endorphins, Dopamine, Serotonin and Oxytocin.
A study published in Psychological Science in 2008 found that certain inherited genes seem to account for 50 percent of our happiness. So, even if you are most of the time feeling down there are ways and means to keep your mood joyful and positive.
These are produced by various glands in our body which are connected to the endocrine system. A network of glands making at least one hormone each, that is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain. while neurotransmitters are released by the central nervous system as electrical impulses. The two systems work together, so the line between the two becomes blurred, some molecules even acting as both (oxytocin, for example).
Experts says that the hormones which determine human Happiness are
*Endorphins,
* Dopamine,
* Serotonin,
* Oxytocin.
If you wanna stay happy then it is important you understand these hormones. These are actually our chemical messengers and help us bond well, elevate mood and reduce anxiety.
Endorphins.
When we exercise, the body releases Endorphins. This hormone helps the body cope with the pain of exercising. We bear the pain so that these Endorphins will make us happy in the end. Laughter is another good way of generating Endorphins. Spend 30 minutes exercising every day, read or watch funny stuff to get our day’s dose of Endorphins.
Dopamine
The second hormone is Dopamine.In our journey of life, we accomplish many little and big tasks; it releases various levels of Dopamine.When we get appreciated for our work at office or at home, we feel accomplished and good, that is because it releases Dopamine.This also explains why most housewives are unhappy since they rarely get acknowledged or appreciated for their work. Once, we join work, we buy a car, a house, the latest gadgets, a new house so forth. In each instance, it releases Dopamine and we become happy.
Now, do we realize why we become happy when we shop?
Serotonin
Serotonin is released when we act in a way that benefits others. When we transcend ourselves and give back to others or to nature or to the society, it releases Serotonin. Any small act of helping others, in any which way releases Serotonin.
Oxytocin
The final hormone is Oxytocin,is released when we become close to other human beings. When we hug our friends or family Oxytocin is released.The “Jadoo Ki Jhappi” from Munnabhai does really work.Similarly, when we shake hands or put our arms around someone’s shoulders, various amounts of Oxytocin is released.
So, it is simple, exercise every day to get Endorphins, accomplish little goals for Dopamine.
Be nice to others to get Serotonin and finally hug our kids,friends, and families for Oxytocin and we will be happy. Being in a happy state of mind can help us deal with our challenges and problems better.
Now, you understand why you need to hug a child who has a bad mood.
All this can have a beginning in the childhood itself. We need to raise happy children. So, parents you need to do four things to make your child feel happy and worthwhile.
1.Motivate him/her to play on the ground
-Endorphins
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Appreciate your child for his small big achievements
-Dopamine
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inculcate sharing habit through you to your child
-Serotonin
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Hug your child
-Oxytocin
Activities to boost up Happiness
Listening to music is a fabulous way to get a hit of dopamine: In a 2011 study published in Nature Neuroscience, McGill University researchers reported that listening to music you love creates a boost in feel-good dopamine.
Carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, which partly explains why we crave sweet, starchy foods when we are feeling down. For the best mood boost, choose healthy, high-fibre sources of carbs such as dense whole-grain bread or quinoa.
Spend time with loved ones
Get a boost of Oxytocin by doing pleasurable things such as spending time cuddling with your partner, your kids or your pet(s), rather than spending time on mindless gaming and social media.
Goal Setting
If you are feeling like an underachiever then set a goal and achieve it. For overachievers, this may sound stressful, but there are healthy ways to organize goal setting.
Break down one big goal into several smaller ones, and pause to acknowledge each success. Then, you can try to set a new (realistic) goal while you’re still working on your current objective. In short, more dopamine rewards beget more motivation to seek more dopamine, so, without going overboard, nurture that feedback loop.
Picture Courtsey Stan B.. https://unsplash.com/photos/F7m0W7QLP1s