Do you know what makes you happy, as in, truly blissful? While your personal “happy triggers” may be different than mine, the substance of everyone’s happy place is the same. In neuroscience speak, in order to get your “feel good” on you need to activate your daily D.O.S.E., an acronym for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins.
The problem is some of us have less of these “positive” neurotransmitters than others. By now, most of us are quite aware of serotonin and the negative effect low levels can have on our mental state and sense of wellbeing. While some of us are so depleted of this essential chemical we need a little help from pharmaceuticals, many of us just need to know how to naturally boost what we already possess.
Here is the really cool thing. Every one of us, no matter what our biochemical make-up, has access to enhancing our own natural high.
“But what if I am naturally a melancholy personality type how does this work for me?” you ask. The answer is found in scientific studies of our brain and what makes all our bells and whistles fire off. Research shows, things like a little time outside in the sunshine and a brisk nature walk increases your daily “dose” of happiness. Vitamin D from the sun naturally boosts your serotonin levels as well as moderate exercise and a healthy diet of foods containing tryptophan (turkey, eggs, cheese, etc.)
While you are digesting that good news, guess what else you can do to increase your bliss? Laugh! Humor and the natural reflex of laughter it produces, is known to release endorphins, the ‘E’ part of your daily D.O.S.E. Obviously, those of you who are huge fans of Bob and Sheri have that one covered.
So that leaves us with dopamine and oxytocin. Your brain loves good music, as in instrumental vibes that give you chills. Scientists have discovered that indulging your inner music nerd elicits a release of dopamine, couple that with a deep breathing yoga practice and supercharge the effect. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-dopamine#section5
Finally, because it is always required to save the best for last, the ‘O’ in “dose” is Oxytocin, also known as the “hug hormone” or the “cuddle chemical”, or of course you could apply the ‘O’ to something much more invigorating (sexual innuendo intended) and that would be scientifically sound.
There you have it, the truth of happiness, and the perfectly orchestrated fabulous four chemicals which make this life more blissful. You can choose to get your “happy on” today! Take a walk in the sunshine while listening to some sweet strings, reach out and touch somebody you love and don’t forget to laugh out loud. Happiness . . . turns out it really is a walk in the park. Beautiful isn’t it?
The Zen Den
Hello and welcome to The Zen Den. My name is Alison and while I am passionate about many things, my most inspiring driving force is human connection. Blogger, content writer, orthopedic exercise specialist, motivational speaker, international yoga pro, published songwriter, avid poker player, mom and wife are just a few of my titles. But when I do my job at NASA, I am known simply as “The Fairy Zenmother” a role I deeply love because people invite me into their space to help them find their center, relax and stretch their muscles and destress their mind. Here in the blogosphere version of The Zen Den, I invite you into my world where I will explore ideas for creating a better tomorrow and a kinder today. And hopefully, with insight, authenticity and humor; my words, observations and experiences will help you feel calm, centered, intellectually challenged and spiritually enlightened. Alternatively, if you have something you would like to see covered in The Zen Den, just let me know. Your feedback is welcome and valuable to the success of this blog. Finally, my heart is filled with gratitude to have this opportunity to share with all of you.
