4 Ways to Naturally Increase Happy Hormones

It took a while for me to understand my moods. I often would feel low when I did certain things and high when I did others. When I finally started to pay attention to what my body and spirit needed, I stimulated a constant mood of peace. I did a little research and included more specifics below of how you can increase your happy hormones naturally.

All the information listed below was copied from

Healtline.com

Dopamine is an important chemical messenger in your brain that has many functions. It’s involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and even regulation of body movements (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

When dopamine is released in large amounts, it creates feelings of pleasure and reward, which motivate you to repeat a specific behavior (3Trusted Source).

how to increase dopamine:

1. Eat protein

2. Reduce saturated fat

3. Consume probiotics

4. Eat velvet beans

5. Exercise

6. Get enough sleep

7. Listen to music

8. Meditate

9. Get enough sunlight

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) involved in many processes throughout your body, from regulating your mood to promoting smooth digestion.

1. Adjust your diet

Here are some snack ideas to get you started:

whole-wheat bread with turkey or cheese

oatmeal with a handful of nuts

salmon with brown rice

plums or pineapple with your favorite crackers

pretzel sticks with peanut butter and a glass of milk

2. Get more excercise

3. Get more sunlight

4. Massage therapy

5. Mood induction - Try:

visualizing a happy memory

thinking about a positive experience with loved ones

looking at photos of things that make you happy, such as your pet, a favorite place, or close friends

6. Manage emotions and stress - I like to journal to reduce my stress

7. Spend time with loves ones

8. Laugh

the love hormone, cuddle hormone, or bonding hormone.

As these nicknames suggest, oxytocin plays an important part in human bonding. Released during childbirth and breastfeeding, it’s a key factor in the bond between parent and infant.

Hugging, kissing, cuddling, and sexual intimacy can all trigger oxytocin production, which can strengthen bonds between adults, too.

1. Yoga

2. Listen to music or make your own music

3. Get or give a massage

4. Tell someone how much you care

5. Spend time with friends

6. Meditate

7. Cook and eat with someone you care about

8. Cuddle and hug

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released by the brain to alleviate pain and promote pleasure.

benefits:

reduce pain and discomfort

increase pleasure

reduce stress, depression, and anxiety

attenuate inflammation

improve mood

boost self-esteem

may support a healthy immune system

may support memory and cognitive function

1. Exercise

2. Laugh

3. Listen to music

4. Get acupuncture

5. Eat dark chocolate

6. Dance

7. Meditate

#lemon8partner #wellnesshabits #happyhormones