4 Brain Chemicals That Increase Happiness (+How You Can Naturally Trigger Them)

There are many external factors that can determine one’s mood, such as the weather, relationships, and finances. However, there are also four natural chemicals produced by your brain that also play a large role.

These are:

1. Endorphins

2. Dopamine

3. Serotonin

4. Oxytocin

These hormones, called neurotransmitters, communicate with other parts of the brain when released. During this process, your brain receives signals to calm you down, feel the sensation of love, or even experience euphoria.

When you have an imbalance of these hormones, you can begin to experience signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression. When symptoms of depression begin to feel like too much to bear, medical professionals may opt to prescribe medication in order to balance these chemicals. However, that is not always the case. You hold the power to naturally release these happy hormones on your own.

Let’s dive in.

1. Endorphins 

Endorphins are a feel-good hormone that is produced by your pituitary gland and hypothalamus in your brain during pleasurable activities. These hormones are responsible for helping to boost the release of another neurotransmitter, called dopamine.

A few ways you can encourage the release of endorphins include:

• Dancing

• Laughing

• Acupuncture

• Massages

• Aromatherapy

Endorphins aim to ease pain, reduce stress levels, and increase our overall mood. When your body is low on this hormone, you may begin to experience feelings of depression. (Reference 1)

2. Dopamine

Dopamine, otherwise known as the reward hormone, helps us to strive for greater things and stay focused. When you feel accomplished, you have just received a “hit” of dopamine.

Some examples of when you may feel a dopamine high are:

• Scoring the winning goal

• Acing your exam

• Landing the job you interviewed for

• Hitting your goal weight

• Completing your to-do list

There is even evidence that suggests the simple act of volunteering your time and helping others can also give you a dopamine boost. (References 2,3,4)

3. Serotonin

Serotonin carries messages from the brain to other parts of the body, communicating with your body how to properly work. Low levels of serotonin not only have a direct effect on mood but also physical health. Serotonin influences our digestion, sleep, and even wound healing.

You can naturally increase your serotonin levels by:

• Exercising

• Exposure to sunlight or light therapy

• Diet that contains high levels of tryptophan

When your brain receives serotonin, it becomes like a domino effect releasing the other mood-boosting chemicals. Oftentimes, this can feel like euphoria. (Reference 5)

4. Oxytocin 

Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, tends to give you the warm and fuzzies. It promotes feelings of empathy and trust. It is a fundamental block of building relationships. 

You can increase your oxytocin levels by:

• Laughing and bonding through conversation

• Physical contact (hugging, holding hands, engaging in sexual activities)

• Meditating

• Petting an animal

Higher levels of oxytocin in your brain are believed to help those with depression, anger issues, and social phobias. (Reference 6)

Feeling Blue? MHT Can help.

We all get the blues—especially during the winter months—but for some, sadness turns into a chronic depression.

Is your patient suffering with:

• Constantly feeling down or tearful?

• Fatigue?

• Eating too much or too little?

• Headaches?

• Agitation or restlessness?

It can be difficult to distinguish between seasonal and clinical depression if you don’t know what to look for.

At MHT, we created a screening assessment for providers to help diagnose patients and refer them to a mental health specialist, if necessary. It is HIPPA-compliant and designed for ease of use with the utmost confidentiality.

Click here to talk to a customer service representative to get more information.

Resources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins

2. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/trigger-happy-chemicals

3. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-dopamine

4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/keep-it-in-mind/201301/give-feel-good

5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster

6. https://www.cbhs.com.au/mind-and-body/blog/understanding-the-chemicals-controlling-your-mood