Simple Ways to Increase Happiness Hormones

Ancient philosopher Aristotle perceived happiness as the primary human desire, and all other desires exist essentially as a way to obtain happiness.

We all want to be happy. Some, like Aristotle, may argue pursuing happiness is the ultimate life goal. And for good reason. What is wealth without happiness? What is family without happiness? I might go as far as to say, what is the point of being healthy if you are unhappy? So, what is happiness?

Basically, happiness is an emotional state characterized by joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. How do you feel about your life in general? Are you satisfied? Content? Fulfilled? And on a daily basis, do you experience more positive emotions than negative ones?

Essentially, happiness is experiencing more positive feelings than negative ones. Today we will look at simple ways to increase your happiness hormones. Increasing your happiness hormones will increase how often you experience positive feelings.

So, What are Happiness Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals produced by different glands in the body. They act as messengers to regulate various bodily functions.

So, happiness hormones are hormones and neurotransmitters that, in one way or another, are associated with positive emotions and moods and basically help you feel good.

There are four main happiness hormones: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.

Dopamine

Dopamine is well-known as the happiness hormone. It is a primary driver of the brain’s rewards system.

Typically, dopamine spikes when you experience something pleasurable. This could be from food, shopping, or a like on TikTok. You get a dopamine hit pretty much whenever you do something you find enjoyable. When you are praised at your job? You get a dopamine hit. When you tick something off a to-do list? You get a dopamine hit.

Simple ways to increase happiness hormones

Serotonin

People often call serotonin the “feel-good hormone.” It plays an important role in preventing anxiety, stress, and depression. Simple practices such as walking in nature and sleeping can boost this feel-good hormone.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” The name “cuddle hormone” suggests its link to bonding and attachment. Physical touch, such as holding hands, hugging, and cuddling, boosts oxytocin levels.

Endorphins

The body releases endorphins to relieve stress and physical pain. Endorphins are basically natural painkillers.

A well-known example of this particular hormone in action is related to exercising, such as running. When you work out, whether you are lifting weights or doing cardio, your body releases endorphins to deal with the physical strain. This makes exercising one of the easiest ways to release endorphins. Endorphins minimize discomfort and maximize pleasure.

How Does Increasing Happiness Hormones Naturally Boost Overall Well-being?

Happiness is linked to positive outcomes in many different areas of life, including physical health, mental health, social well-being, and overall longevity. In fact, pursuing happiness is truly the mark and the essence of a holistic wellness quest.

How exactly?

Experiencing more positive feelings than negative ones increases life satisfaction.
Happiness increases emotional well-being by improving coping skills. Indeed, if you are optimistic everything will work out you are already winning. You will manage stress better and bounce back after a setback. In fact, people who experience less negative emotions have lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Happiness increases longevity. One recent study on happiness and longevity in the United States showed happy people lived longer than unhappy individuals.

Simple Ways To Increase Happiness Hormones

1. Exercising

A multitude of research shows that exercising is good for both physical and mental health. Indeed, the benefits of working out extend beyond the mere aesthetic of looking good. Exercising improves mood.

Notably, as mentioned, exercising triggers the release of endorphins. Similarly, moving your body releases dopamine.

Try to exercise for 30 minutes daily since even a little boosts happiness.

2. Eat the right foods

Eating well is another simple way to increase happiness hormones. I am big on food as medicine and the importance of holistic nutrition. Eating the right foods by emphasizing a balanced diet provides nutrients that extend beyond merely fueling the body. Eating right will have you feeling fantastic and increase your level of happiness.

Besides, certain foods such as salmon, dark chocolate, and fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi increase the body’s ability to produce these happiness hormones.

Basically, eat lots of proteins, healthy fats, and unprocessed foods.

3. Connect with loved ones -even pets.

I often say that we are increasingly becoming individualistic, which is detrimental to our happiness. Research indicates that strong social relationships are the most significant predictor of happiness. So, if you want to be happy, connect with loved ones. Spend time with family and friends. Cuddle your pet. Don’t just visit family on Thanksgiving. Make a trip to see your parents as often as you can manage. Deepen your current relationships and look for ways to make new friends.

4. Laugh often

This might seem obvious enough, but it’s still worth a mention. Most of us are caught in the grind of life and forget to laugh. Laughing triggers the release of endorphins. Try to laugh often, watch a comedy, read memes, and watch funny TikTok videos. Find your sense of humor and feed it.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about appreciating the moment. Living in the moment means not merely doing things to tick them off a list. Get involved in whatever you are doing. It might be something as simple as cleaning dishes or doing laundry. These tasks don’t have to be boring if you focus on the rhythm and get immersed.

Besides, specific mindfulness activities such as meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and somatic exercises allow you to relax and focus on the body-mind connection. Taking a moment to breathe reduces anxiety and stress and, most importantly, improves your overall mood by increasing serotonin production.

6. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is another very important, simple way to boost happiness. Basically, gratitude encourages you to focus on all the positive things in your life, big or small, which helps increase serotonin and dopamine. Try gratitude journaling and see just how much appreciating what you have can increase your satisfaction and contentment. Gratitude increases positive emotions and life satisfaction.

7. Get enough sleep

Another simple way to increase happiness hormones and boost overall subjective happiness is to get enough sleep. Sleep is a reset button for your body. You have probably seen or heard how babies get cranky when sleepy. If you don’t get enough sleep, you are straining your body, affecting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You need sleep to effectively regulate hormone production in the body.

Practice good sleep hygiene and get 7-9 hours of sleep daily.