Did you know that being happy isn’t all a state of mind? It’s also a state of brain chemicals!
You see, the reason why you feel certain feelings, like happiness or pleasure, is due to four brain chemicals running through your system. These chemicals, also called neurotransmitters or messengers, help you process the world around you by receiving and sending information to and from the brain and different parts of the body.
There are certain actions that trigger the release of the four happy brain chemicals. The more you learn about what these are, the more you can do them and increase your overall sense of joy and wellbeing – all with the power of your brain!
Let’s dive into the four different brain chemicals that make you happy and the techniques you can use to trigger them.
#1 – Dopamine
Dopamine is one of the most important chemicals in your brain. Its function is to provide us with a sense of pleasure after performing some type of action or having our senses stimulated. For example, you may feel a rush of happiness when you walk into your grandmother’s house and smell cookies on the stove. Dopamine is also why you may feel content after having sex.
Aside from helping us feel good, dopamine is also integral to many of our common bodily functions, including movement, attention, heart rate, sleep, etc.
What Triggers Dopamine?
To trigger dopamine, it may help to meditate, as well as to increase your intake of an amino acid called tyrosine.
Tyrosine is the first ingredient in building dopamine in your brain, so by consuming more of it, you give your brain more of the building blocks it needs to complete this process.
Some foods that contain tyrosine include:
Poultry
Dairy foods
Bananas
Avocados
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Soy
#2 – Oxytocin
Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone.” This is because people who are in love with one another reportedly have higher levels of oxytocin in their system. Couples who have sex also release it during the act.
This brain chemical is associated with sexual love and lust, but it is also responsible for helping pregnant women go into labor, lactate, and bond with their babies.
What Triggers Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is mainly triggered by touching, sexual activity, and breastfeeding (for mothers). If you want more of this hormone in your life, consider prioritizing more intimate quality time with your significant other, if you have one. Go on dates, do fun activities, or even just make an effort to be more physically affectionate with one another at home.
#3 – Serotonin
When you’re feeling anxious, serotonin may be the chemical you want to focus on triggering. This hormone is mostly produced in your gut, but it acts on nerve endings throughout your body. Researchers believe that it helps regulate your mood and your ability to stay asleep. But it also aids in the function of your bowels, wound healing, and even sex.
What Triggers Serotonin?
Much like dopamine is made from an amino acid called tyrosine, serotonin is made from an amino acid called tryptophan. You’ll mostly get tryptophan from eating basic foods like meat, dairy, eggs, and nuts.
#4 – Endorphins
The last happy brain chemical we want to talk about is actually a group of chemicals called endorphins. Your body releases these whenever it receives nerve signals of pain or stress. Their job is to block the pain or stress and help you feel better, so that you can continue to function even if you’re in a bad situation.
Endorphins are like your body’s own built-in pain killer! Who wouldn’t feel happier after experiencing relief like that?
What Triggers Endorphins?
To trigger endorphins, you don’t have to injure yourself or get into a high-stress situation on purpose. One of the healthiest activities you can do to increase the flow of endorphins in your body is power walking. This is an intense exercise that gets your blood pumping and puts a safe amount of stress and pain on your body.
If you don’t have a gym or neighborhood to power walk in, we suggest investing in this walking pad treadmill from Redliro. It’s adjustable to different speeds, absorbs shock, and is quiet, so you can feel free to power walk and generate endorphins to your heart’s content! Then, once you’re done exercising for the day, you can easily put it back in storage thanks to its portability and lightweight quality.
With some changes to your diet, lifestyle, and exercise routine, you can increase the amount of the four happy brain chemicals in your body and improve your mood. Just remember to consult with your doctor first, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions, illnesses, or dietary restrictions. That way, you can ensure happiness safely!
