31. How to think your way to happiness

To boost happiness, let’s think about how to get our bodies to produce happy chemicals.

Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins are often referred to as “happy hormones.” 

When we’re enjoying or admiring something beautiful, or attracted to someone, our brain releases dopamine, our serotonin levels increase, and oxytocin is produced. This causes us to feel a surge of positive emotion.

So, knowing how to increase these chemicals in our body is key to thinking our way to happiness!

Serotonin

…is known to influence learning, memory, and happiness.

So, to get more serotonin in our mind-body system, we can:

• Optimise sun exposure
• Practice mindfulness
• Spend time outside / walk in nature

Dopamine

…impacts areas of our brain that gives feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation.

To increase dopamine in our body, we can:

Oxytocin

…often called ‘the love hormone’ – is linked to life and love satisfaction levels.

So, to boost oxytocin in us, we can:

• Socialise
• Cuddle loved ones
• Pet animals
• Help others / volunteer

Endorphins

…alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance our sense of well-being.

To maximise endorphins, we can:

• Exercise
• Laugh
• Listen to music
• Do what makes us happy!

Reducing anxiety & stress hormones

On a deeper level, stress and anxiety prevents happiness. Therefore, to boost happiness there are things we can do to reduce cortisol – our stress hormone – in our mind-body system.

Here are 6 ways you can do this.

The tips I write about are based on my experience, training, research, and reading. For help and support from medical professionals and therapists, there are a number of provisions available.

I hope this is a helpful read.