Meet your Happiness Hormones

Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins are the “happiness hormones” in our body that help boost our mood and support us in our feel good feelings.

When these hormones are balanced, it helps us to live a happier, calmer and more fulfilled life. However, our happiness hormones can become unbalanced, leading to things like lower mood, poor gut health, sleep problems, lack of focus and motivation, loss of energy and appetite, anxiety and fatigue.

Our happiness hormones can become unbalanced for a number of reasons, one of the most common being high levels of stress.

Dopamine – the reward chemical

Dopamine contributes to things like focus, learning, motivation and pleasure. It acts as a chemical messenger between the cells in our nervous system.

When it’s lacking:

• Procrastination

• Low self-esteem

• Lack of motivation

• Low energy

• Irritability

• Feeling anxious

• Inability to focus

Ways to boost it:

• Acts of self-care

• Complete a task

• Eat something nutritious

• Focus on your accomplishments

• Celebrate a small achievement

• Get enough sleep

Oxytocin – the love hormone

Oxytocin is the chemical associated with social bonding, empathy, trust and relationship building. It is also present in reproduction, childbirth and breastfeeding, as well as orgasm.

When it’s lacking:

• Feeling lonely

• High stress levels

• Emotional disconnect

• Feeling unfulfilled in your relationships

• Feeling anxious

• Trouble sleeping

Ways to boost it:

• Play with your pets

• Compliment someone

• Hold hands, hug or kiss

• Sex or orgasm

Endorphin – the pain killer

Endorphins are produced naturally by our body to help us deal with the negative effects of stress or pain. The bodies secretion of endorphins lead to increased pleasure and feelings of euphoria.

When it’s lacking:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Mood swings

• Body aches and pains

• Insomnia

• Impulsive behaviour

Ways to boost it:

• Eat chocolate or have a glass of wine

• Do something creative

• Laugh

• Take a hot bath

• Volunteer or give back to those in need

Serotonin – the mood stabiliser

Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilises our mood, feelings of well-being, and our overall happiness. It is so powerful that it can impact almost every part of our bodies including gut health, digestion, appetite, sleep, mental health, energy levels and more. Serotonin enables the cells in our brain and nervous system to communicate with each other, which is why it is often talked about in relation to the gut-brain connection.

When it’s lacking:

• Low self-worth

• Irritability

• Mood swings and low mood

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Social anxiety

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Gut problems

Ways to boost it:

• Meditate or gratitude journal

• Connect with nature

• Spend time in the sunshine

• Move your body

• Listen to music

• Get a massage

Knowing how to keep these 4 powerful hormones balanced (and recognising when they might need a boost) can be very helpful.

(As always, please keep in mind that the information I share here is not equivalent to seeking individualised professional care.)