How To Increase Your Feel-Good Chemicals

Your body has natural feel-good hormones, and depending on your current diet and lifestyle, these hormones could be lacking! Hormones act as messengers for our bodies, regulating everything from our physical functions to our emotional well-being. These hormones are highly influenced by our thoughts, activities, and the foods we eat, and there are plenty of ways to trigger the release of these hormones to boost your mood!

If you've been feeling down or not quite like yourself, here’s a breakdown of 4 feel-good chemicals and some ways to increase them so you can cultivate more happiness in your daily life. 

Dopamine

Also known as the reward chemical, dopamine is an important part of your brain’s reward system. It enables motivation, learning, and pleasure, while giving you the determination you need to accomplish your goals!

How to boost it:

• Accomplish a small task
• Celebrating little wins
• Seek out new experiences
• Doing self-care activities

Oxytocin

Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin helps to promote trust and empathy, ultimately playing a role in create strong bonds in your relationships.

How to boost it:

• Holding hands
• Hugging your loved ones
• Giving compliments
• Playing with a dog

Endorphins

Endorphins are your body’s natural pain reliever, which your body produces in response to stress or discomfort. It can mask physical pain as well as alleviates anxiety and depression.

How to boost it:

• Exercise
• Watch a comedy
• Eat dark chocolate
• Laugh with your friends

Serotonin

Serotonin helps you to feel significant or accepted amongst your peers, as well as regulating your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory.

How to boost it:

• Feel the sun
• Meditating
• Walk in nature
• Exercising