Aren’t we all in pursuit of happiness, in some way? Being happy is important for leading a healthy and satisfying life. For centuries, much of our happiness in our ongoing evolutionary biology is produced by four hormones in our bodies. These hormones, briefly known as DOSE, are dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphin. These four hormones, scientifically known as ‘happiness hormones,’ are important because they significantly affect our lives’ quality and overall happiness levels. But what exactly do these hormones do, how are they secreted, and most importantly, how do they affect our quality of life?
With the arrival of summer months, gaining knowledge about the secretion and functioning of these happiness hormones can help us have a happier and healthier summer. As the Organic Human team, we are proud to share this topic that we greatly value with our dear readers. Let’s explore these four magical compounds known as happiness hormones together!
Dopamine: The Secret of Motivation and Reward
Dopamine is referred to as the ‘reward’ hormone and is generally associated with motivation, learning, and pleasure. Dopamine is secreted when we reach our goals or learn something new.
In the summer months, we may be more open to new experiences such as adopting new hobbies or exploring new places. Such experiences increase our dopamine levels, giving us more motivation and overall life satisfaction.
Also, dopamine plays a key role in learning and memory processes. So, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, or developing your skills in a sport triggers the secretion of dopamine and makes you feel happier.
Oxytocin: The Most Powerful Form of Love
Oxytocin is referred to as the ‘love’ or ‘bonding’ hormone. It is usually associated with feelings of safety, connection, and love. Oxytocin is secreted through physical contact, especially hugging and kissing.
We generally become more social during the summer months. Engaging in more social activities and spending more time with our loved ones increases our oxytocin levels and strengthens our overall feelings of happiness and connection.
Additionally, oxytocin strengthens a person’s ability to deeply connect with others. This can mean spending more quality time with your partner, playing games with your children, or gathering with your friends. All these activities elevate oxytocin levels and increase your overall happiness.
Serotonin: The Key to Positive Mood
Serotonin is referred to as the ‘feel-good’ hormone and is generally associated with happiness, peace, and overall life satisfaction. Increasing serotonin levels typically provides a better mood and a more positive life perception.
Serotonin levels increase with exposure to sunlight, which means serotonin levels are generally higher in the summer months. Also, a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can boost serotonin levels.
In addition to all of this, serotonin regulates feelings of hunger and satiety. Therefore, a balanced diet and regular meal times keep serotonin levels balanced and improve your overall mood. Consuming certain foods, especially those rich in tryptophan, promotes serotonin production.
Endorphins: Source of Energy and Vitality
Endorphins are often called ‘natural painkillers’ as they alleviate pain and increase overall feelings of happiness. Intense exercise, consuming spicy foods, and even laughing triggers the release of endorphins. Our bodies produce this hormone to alleviate pain and provide general well-being.
In the summer months, we get more opportunities to move – activities like cycling, going for walks, or swimming increases our endorphin levels. We usually have higher endorphin levels in the summer because we laugh more and participate in outdoor social activities.
Endorphins can also be released through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. These types of activities reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and have a positive effect on overall mood.
In conclusion, when you understand the concept of these four happiness hormones in the human body, you can see how you can live a happier and healthier life in the summer months. By incorporating activities that stimulate these hormones into your daily life, you can naturally improve your mood and increase your quality of life. We hope that we all enjoy life more, become more aware of the moment, laugh more, become more united, move together, and spend quality time with our loved ones. Remember, happiness is not something that comes from the outside; it’s a natural process within your body. Enjoy the summer and utilize the power of DOSE!
