Happiness is something we all strive for, but although it seems like a simple thing, it’s actually quite complex when you start to look into what it is and how it happens. Often, our happiness will be determined by the hormones released in our bodies, particularly serotonin and dopamine. These are even known as the ‘happy hormones’ as they play a major part in our overall well-being and mood. Read on to learn more about how they affect us and what they are.
Dopamine
Dopamine is the hormone responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure. When we experience something good and pleasurable, like a massage at secrettantric.com, dopamine is released. This heightens the experience, but it also reinforces these pleasurable experiences and behaviors; we’ll want to keep doing them because they make us feel good. Dopamine will help to make you feel content and relaxed.
Serotonin
Serotonin is similar to dopamine because it will make you feel relaxed and happy, but it works slightly differently. It is responsible not just for your mood, but for regulating sleep, appetite, and general well-being. So it’s clear that having serotonin is important, and doing things that release serotonin, whether that’s eating a delicious meal, going for a walk, talking to friends, listening to great music, or anything else, will be beneficial.
Happy Hormones And The Body
Both serotonin and dopamine have a positive effect on the body. Dopamine helps with various bodily functions, such as your attention span, motivation, and movement. This is why studies suggest problems with dopamine levels might have something to do with why people develop Parkinson’s disease, although those studies are still ongoing.
Serotonin helps with heart health, digestion, and sleep regulation. When you have low serotonin levels, you might find you develop symptoms of depression and anxiety, but there are natural ways to increase your serotonin (we’ve mentioned some already), as well as medication – this is something you’ll need to speak to your doctor about.
Happy Hormones And The Mind
As well as the physical benefits that the happy hormones serotonin and dopamine can give you, they will also positively impact the mind and your mental health. Dopamine will make you feel more motivated, helping you get past obstacles and challenges and allowing you to reach your goals, especially as you’ll get more dopamine when you achieve them.
Serotonin helps to regular mood, helps make social connections easier, gives you feelings of empathy, and generally makes you feel good – all of this will help with your mental health. When you consider that low serotonin levels make you feel irritable, sad, and sometimes even aggressive, you can see the difference having enough will make in your life.
This is why it’s so important to get as much dopamine and serotonin in your body as you can. Some of the easiest ways to do this include:
- Exercise
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Spending time with loved ones
- Enjoying self-care and hobbies
When you understand more about how happy hormones can benefit your life, finding ways to get more of them will be even easier.
