Your Brain's Happiness Campaign
I'm so happy!
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do.
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Ever wondered what's the reason for that electrified feeling you have when you're happy? Well I guess it's time for us to meet your happy chemicals. Because they certainly need some recognition why you look and feel good each day. A round of applause to dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphin!
1) Dopamine
Let's just call him Dope for short. Dope here is the man of all neurotransmitters. It's the kind of happiness you get when you achieve your wants and needs; reaching your goal. It controls the pleasure center of your body. And by pleasure I mean from the cleanest ones to the dirtiest. If you know what I mean.
According to Psychology Today dopamine not only controls your reaction towards rewards but it also helps you move towards it. And dope's awesomeness doesn't end there. In the blood vessels, it inhibits norepinephrine release and acts as a vasodilator; in the kidneys, it increases sodium excretion and urine output; in the pancreas, it reduces insulin production; in the digestive system, it reduces gastrointestinal motility and protects intestinal mucosa; and in the immune system, it reduces the activity of lymphocytes. I don't even know what those things are but they all sound pretty cool to me. Ha-ha!
The more rewards you accomplish, the more dopamine you secrete. The more dope you secrete, the more happiness you feel. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to obtain large quantities of awards. Small things like passing a test, getting your pay or receiving the present you've always wanted on Christmas day.
2) Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a neuromodulator in the brain. It's plays a big role in intimacy that's why it's sometimes called as the bonding hormone or the love hormone. Studies have show that this happy chemical has the capacity to enable us in having strong relationships on regards to romance, friendships and family ties. It warms the heart and it's more of a sentimental kind of happiness.
In most cases, the brain releases oxytocin when you hug or kiss someone. Or by practicing empathy. Telling someone you love them generates this chemical, too and does not only benefit you but also to the person you're saying it to. Why don't you give oxytocin on Christmas daaaay? Oh even the man who has everything, would be so happy if you would bring him- ah, nevermind.
3) Serotonin
You've probably heard of this one: serotonin. This chemical is responsible for mood balance. It is sometimes known as the happiness molecule. It contributes to a person's well-being and to the sense of being socially-accepted.
We can create serotonin by finding a sense of purpose or meaning or belonging in our life. (So deep. I know, right?) It can also be obtained if we expose ourself to natural light or if we think positive thoughts. Initially, this chemical is also the reason why get sad and lonely. Low source of serotonin increases the possibility of a person to undergo depression. Serotonin often depends on how our brain carries problems and how we perceive life. Positive thoughts = more serotonin = happiness!
4) Endorphin
Endorphins are not related to dolphins, that's for sure. These chemicals are known to be pain killers. It reacts to whatever hurts us and is known as the euphoria that masks physical pain. Stress raises endorphin levels. The body releases them to counter-attack situations causing sudden injuries. Although it doesn't mean that we should keep hurting ourselves to release endorphins. Laughing and exercising will help to gain it, too.
Blood pressure decreases when endorphins spark. Studies have also showed that it enhances the immune system and slows the aging process. I call it 'vampification'.
Of course, it's not fair to have all those happy babies to yourself. Share some to other folks and be the trigger for their neurotransmitters to mobilize. :)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone! Stay awesome~
LOVE,
Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do.
---
Ever wondered what's the reason for that electrified feeling you have when you're happy? Well I guess it's time for us to meet your happy chemicals. Because they certainly need some recognition why you look and feel good each day. A round of applause to dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphin!
1) Dopamine
Let's just call him Dope for short. Dope here is the man of all neurotransmitters. It's the kind of happiness you get when you achieve your wants and needs; reaching your goal. It controls the pleasure center of your body. And by pleasure I mean from the cleanest ones to the dirtiest. If you know what I mean.
According to Psychology Today dopamine not only controls your reaction towards rewards but it also helps you move towards it. And dope's awesomeness doesn't end there. In the blood vessels, it inhibits norepinephrine release and acts as a vasodilator; in the kidneys, it increases sodium excretion and urine output; in the pancreas, it reduces insulin production; in the digestive system, it reduces gastrointestinal motility and protects intestinal mucosa; and in the immune system, it reduces the activity of lymphocytes. I don't even know what those things are but they all sound pretty cool to me. Ha-ha!
The more rewards you accomplish, the more dopamine you secrete. The more dope you secrete, the more happiness you feel. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to obtain large quantities of awards. Small things like passing a test, getting your pay or receiving the present you've always wanted on Christmas day.
2) Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a neuromodulator in the brain. It's plays a big role in intimacy that's why it's sometimes called as the bonding hormone or the love hormone. Studies have show that this happy chemical has the capacity to enable us in having strong relationships on regards to romance, friendships and family ties. It warms the heart and it's more of a sentimental kind of happiness.
In most cases, the brain releases oxytocin when you hug or kiss someone. Or by practicing empathy. Telling someone you love them generates this chemical, too and does not only benefit you but also to the person you're saying it to. Why don't you give oxytocin on Christmas daaaay? Oh even the man who has everything, would be so happy if you would bring him- ah, nevermind.
3) Serotonin
You've probably heard of this one: serotonin. This chemical is responsible for mood balance. It is sometimes known as the happiness molecule. It contributes to a person's well-being and to the sense of being socially-accepted.
We can create serotonin by finding a sense of purpose or meaning or belonging in our life. (So deep. I know, right?) It can also be obtained if we expose ourself to natural light or if we think positive thoughts. Initially, this chemical is also the reason why get sad and lonely. Low source of serotonin increases the possibility of a person to undergo depression. Serotonin often depends on how our brain carries problems and how we perceive life. Positive thoughts = more serotonin = happiness!
4) Endorphin
Endorphins are not related to dolphins, that's for sure. These chemicals are known to be pain killers. It reacts to whatever hurts us and is known as the euphoria that masks physical pain. Stress raises endorphin levels. The body releases them to counter-attack situations causing sudden injuries. Although it doesn't mean that we should keep hurting ourselves to release endorphins. Laughing and exercising will help to gain it, too.
Blood pressure decreases when endorphins spark. Studies have also showed that it enhances the immune system and slows the aging process. I call it 'vampification'.
Of course, it's not fair to have all those happy babies to yourself. Share some to other folks and be the trigger for their neurotransmitters to mobilize. :)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone! Stay awesome~
LOVE,
posted from Bloggeroid
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