The three so-called ‘happiness hormones’ are serotonin, dopamin and oxytocin. But how do they influence your mood and how can you boost them naturally to increase your happiness levels? Rae Bathgate investigates.

 

Everybody who’s gone through puberty – especially those in the midst of it – can tell you that hormones play a large part in how we feel. Most women, for one, are particularly aware of this, some even tracking the subtleties caused by the ebb and the flow of oestrogen and progesterone.


However, not as much conversation exists about how so-called 'happiness hormones', and neurotransmitters affect everyone’s mood and well-being. And yes, we do mean everyone, including animals, men, children, your next door neighbour, and especially you.


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Hormones and neurotransmitters are molecules that act as chemical messengers. The main difference between the two is that hormones are released by the endocrine system as chemical impulses, while neurotransmitters are released by the central nervous system as electrical impulses. The two systems work together, so the line between the two becomes blurred, some molecules even acting as both (oxytocin, for example).

 

Happiness hormones: what exactly are they? 

Human hormones tally at about 50, while known neurotransmitters have been estimated to be at around 100. The main ones associated with feelings of happiness are:
 

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Oxytocin


Other influential factors are adrenalin and cortisol, melatonin, GABA, endorphins and norepinephrine. Researchers also agree that many other factors influence happiness, such as economic stability and relationships, to name just two. It's important to remember then that while the effects of increasing happiness hormones and neurotransmitters are being researched, no neurochemical alone is a quick fix for happiness, as they act in lockstep with each other.

 

So, let's take a closer look at the three main happiness hormones:

 

1. Serotonin: happiness and satisfaction

Also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), serotonin is a complex neurotransmitter. Serotonin could be thought of, simply, as bringing about feelings of confidence and self-esteem. For example, serotonin has been shown to be at higher levels when you feel significant and like you're part of a group. Conversely, feelings of loneliness and depression are usually associated with low serotonin levels.

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You may recognize the name from Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Inhibitors (or SSRIs), a popular type of medication taken against depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD and eating disorders. While a breakthrough in mental health medicine, depression has been associated with various potential causes – not only low levels of serotonin.


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Still, even if the key to a sunny outlook isn't simply just more of the neurotransmitter, research seems to indicate that to feel happier, it's good to try and avoid the happiness hormone serotonin dipping too low. Luckily, there's a wide variety of ways to give yourself a boost, now and then.


Higher serotonin activity allows people to put themselves in situations that will bolster self-esteem and increase one’s self-worth and sense of belonging; in turn, this ups your serotonin levels.

 

“While the effects of increasing happiness hormones are being researched, no neurochemical is a quick fix for happiness.”

 

To get this serotonin positive feedback loop going, challenge yourself as much as you can to accomplish activities that will reinforce your sense of self-worth, purpose and belonging. For example, try volunteering (which has also shown to strengthen social ties and to make you even happier), becoming involved in a cause you believe in or joining a sports team.

 

RELATED: Why is volunteering important?

 

How to increase serotonin levels naturally 

Studies have shown that athletes have higher levels of serotonin. Indeed, exercise – such as riding a bike or mindful running – has been shown to increase serotonin, along with getting some sun, or a well-deserved massage.


Another way to up your serotonin is by reflecting on what you have in your life, for example, experiences, people, and things that make you feel grateful, loved and important. Your brain will produce serotonin regardless of whether a situation is imagined or is recalled as a memory.


Focusing on the positive – while it may not solve your problems – may help you feel better (and also help you to stop ruminating). Some ways to do this include taking the time to do positive affirmations, reflect, or writing a gratitude journal about all the things you appreciate – even looking back through old pictures of a great night out will make you smile and get that serotonin going.

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Bike yourself better: cycling boosts serotonin, a happiness hormone

 

2. Dopamine: love and passion 

Like serotonin, dopamine is a neurotransmitter. Often painted as the neurochemical most strongly associated with happiness, it might be more precise to say that dopamine is responsible for reward-driven behaviour and pleasure-seeking activities. You get a rush of it when you feel proud of yourself, when you eat comfort food, when it's pay day, and, of course, when you win.

 

Some studies indicate that those with more extroverted and outgoing personality types may have higher levels of dopamine than their introverted counterparts, and it could be one of the main driving forces behind pursuing goals, as procrastination and self-doubt have been linked to low levels of dopamine.

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As with serotonin, this neurotransmitter's success in regulating our emotions hangs in a delicate balance: if too few dopamine molecules are released, Parkinson’s disease may develop (incidentally, dopamine levels also play a large part in motor reactions), defined by a slow loss of motor skills and mood and sleep disorders. On the other hand, too high of a dopamine level can lead to symptoms like mania, hallucinations, and it also appears to increase impulsive behaviour.

 

How to increase dopamine levels

While many highly addictive substances act on the dopamine system, by feeling success (however you may define it),  you can increase your dopamine activity. For example, set a goal and achieve it. For overachievers, this may sound stressful, but there are healthy ways to organize goal setting


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For example, break down one big goal into several smaller ones, and pause to acknowledge each success. Then, you can try to set a new (realistic) goal while you're still working on your current objective. In short, more dopamine rewards beget more motivation to seek more dopamine, so, without going overboard, nurture that feedback loop.


Also, listen to music: music that makes you feel good, music that moves you, music that gives you chills! One study analysed levels of dopamine when participants listened to music that gave them these musical sense and concluded that, when it did, dopamine transmission was higher: music is inextricably linked with our deepest reward systems.

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Feeling sound: listening to music boosts dopamine


Yet another study showed that exercise may also increase dopamine, as do tangible rewards, like food or money. So, find that one physical activity that motivates you to exercise regularly, try saving money (having money left at the end of the month is the reward!), and learning how to cook food that's delicious and healthy.

 

3. Oxytocin: intimacy and bonding

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone composed of nine amino acids, released from the pituitary gland, most notably controlling uterine spasms and breastfeeding stimulus. It's active during childbirth and physical contact, and it's been found to cause behavioural and physiological effects “such as maternal, sexual and social behaviours.”


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In other words, it facilitates social interaction and is (mostly) associated with positive social behaviour. Due to the significant correlation between social bonding and life satisfaction, then indeed, oxytocin levels could lead to a happier life.

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Because oxytocin levels go up with breastfeeding between mother and child, hugging, intercourse, orgasm and skin-to-skin contact, it's often referred to as the 'hug hormone' or the 'bonding hormone.' Indeed, some studies have shown that an increase in oxytocin also increases trust. 

 

“Exercise, like riding a bike or running has been shown to increase serotonin, along with getting some sun, or a well-deserved massage.”


However, this happiness hormone has other, more complicated effects. According to Ed Yong on Slate, oxytocin "fosters trust and generosity in some situations, but envy and bias in others.”

 

Indeed, one study found that oxytocin uptake increased feelings of envy and schadenfreude (the pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune), while another suggested that while it increased a sense of closeness in one’s clique, in some individuals, it increased mistrust in strangers.


In other words, the trust and bonding that it offers may only extend to those that you trust and feel open to bonding with, to begin with (and there may be deep seated evolutionary origins in this reaction).

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The hug drug: skin contact boosts oxytocin, a hormone of happiness 


Be that as it may, while oxytocin may not be solely responsible for positive human bonding, it still plays a large part in how we interact with others. Oxytocin is released during moments of shared intimacy: be it familial, platonic, romantic or sexual.

 

How to increase oxytocin levels
 

There are a few ways you can naturally boost your levels of this hormone of happiness: 

  • Take part in group activities (and if they’re physical, even better!)
  • Make sure to take the time to cuddle your loved ones
  • Get a dog (or another pet)


In fact, if you own a dog, chances are your oxytocin levels (and his, or hers, for that matter) are the last thing you need to worry about. Studies have shown that not only does petting and spending time with your dog raise oxytocin levels in both, but simply gazing at each other sends oxytocin levels soaring.

 

The other neurochemicals of happiness

 

• Endorphins

The name translates as "self-produced morphine" for a reason: it's widely known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. This neurotransmitter is present in large quantities during high-intensity cardio, strength training, sexual intercourse, orgasm, and most strenuous physical exertion. Exercise will increase your endorphins, as does acupuncture and laughter (even the anticipation of laughter raises endorphin levels).

 

• GABA

This is an inhibitory molecule that slows down the firing of neurons, making you calmer. You can increase GABA by doing meditative activities, like gardening, knitting, mandala colouring, different types of yoga (such as gratitude yoga), and, of course, meditation. The benefits of meditation are many and proven. 

 

• Adrenalin (Epinephrine) and cortisol

A hormone/neurotransmitter and a glucocorticoid respectively, these two are released from the adrenal glands: they regulate stress (think of an adrenalin rush). Through more studies are needed, it appears that subjects with lower levels of salivary cortisol and urinary adrenaline levels report higher levels of happiness; while the results could be correlative and not causative, it's never a bad idea to try to reduce your stress levels.

 

• Melatonin

Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland as is most commonly associated with regulating sleep. However, it's also been shown to affect our overall well-being and feelings of happiness (sleep patterns are often disrupted as a symptom of a larger mood disorder). To keep your melatonin balanced, get a good night's rest, and make sure to turn off your electronic devices well before you head to bed.

 

Norepinephrine

Similar to dopamine, low norepinephrine (AKA noradrenaline) levels have been linked to depression, while further research has indicated that selective norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants "induce a positive emotional, perceptual bias in healthy subjects.” There are many ways to increase your norepinephrine levels, for example, taking a cold shower or a quick nap.

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Win with a grin: laughter boosts happiness hormones

 

All in all, happiness hormones and neurotransmitters aren't as simple as we sometimes wish they were. One neurochemical isn't responsible for a single function, and a happier life isn't as simple as raising each level as much as we can. Indeed, like most things in life, it relies on a delicate balance. The good news is that the more you take care of yourself, the better the balance will be, and the happier you will feel.


After all, "our brain has evolved to make things that are necessary for our survival feel good," as one Guinness World Record holder speculated:

  • spend time with friends
  • get enough sleep
  • avoid stress (perhaps through the benefits of MBSR)
  • laugh often
  • cuddle your loved ones
  • get a dog
  • work towards your goals
  • practise gratitude
  • exercise often.

 

Luckily, many of these tips to boost our happiness hormones and neurotransmitters are relatively easy to put into place with just a little effort from ourselves!  ●

Main picture: colourbox.com

 

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Written by Rae Bathgate

rae.jpgRae Bathgate is an American journalist based in Barcelona, where she enjoys sunlight, yoga, and bookbinding.

 

 


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Li****

Posted

I absolutely LOVE the idea that my dog and I can boost our oxytocin levels by gazing at each other ? I think during this time of the year we can all use some tips on how to boost our happiness hormones, and actually throughout this year in general. I can totally relate to how exercising releases so much endorphins, and I've many times had that 'high' after a good workout where I feel like I'm on cloud 9 haha 

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82****

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I think the "happiness hormone Oxytocin" can be bought online (leagally!) as a spay. I wonder if that would be an option for hard conversations if the participants agree. Somewhat along the lines of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

In my own experience I do realize that I shut down at a certain point of of tough talk and I would want to be able to stay engaged and open longer.

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Candy

Posted

Estrogen could also be considered a happiness hormone as it increases serotonin in the brain. One thing not mentioned here is spending at least 15 minutes a day outside in the sun. I've now taken my morning workouts outside to try and release the most endorphins. I find that when I do this, my stress levels are significantly lower. It's just finding the balance and the motivation to do it every day, especially now that it's colder, which I often struggle with.

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ea****

Posted

Thanks for the suggestions here. I was looking for ways to boost my levels of happiness hormones naturally, so the advice is definitely useful. 

Since I started swimming much more regularly I’ve noticed my moods are much more brighter, so I think my serotonin must have increased. Interesting about endorphins: I think laughing after sex because you enjoyed it so much is a great sign that hormones affect you positively! ?

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9f****

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Here is a new way to increase opioid and dopamine levels in the brain that complements i hope this excellent article. It is derived from the work of the distinguished affective and behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Kent Berridge of the University of Michigan, who has vetted and endorsed my argument. The procedure that follows in the linked little book below (pp. 43-45), is novel, short, succinct, simple and easily testable, and if it doesn't work, you will know it fast. The book is based on professional journal articles published by this author that are linked in the MS, and is open access. Below is my argument in a nutshell: Individuals who engage in tasks in which they perceive a consistent and high degree of present and anticipated novel and positive outcomes or ‘meaning’ (e.g. sporting events, creative activity, doing productive work) commonly report a feeling of high alertness and arousal that may be construed to be due to the activation of mid-brain dopamine systems. However, a significant subset of these individuals also report a feeling of pleasure that is characteristic of opioid release, but these reports occur only in non-stressed situations when the musculature is relaxed. Since relaxation engages opioid systems in the brain, and because opioid and dopamine systems stimulate each other, the resulting blissful states or ‘flow’ like states require the simultaneous engagement of resting protocols and meaningful cognitive states, behaviors that are very easily achieved. In this way, which engages both resting protocols and an active sense of meaning, both dopamine and opioid release can be increased in the brain, and provide a level of blissful engagement with life’s challenges, or ‘happiness’ or ‘flow’ that can effectively mitigate stress and anxiety. https://www.scribd.com/doc/284056765/The-Book-of-Rest-The-Odd-Psychology-of-Doing-Nothing

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