7 Ways to Increase Happy Hormones in Your Body

When you think that 1 out of every 6 adults will have depression at some point in their life, it is alarming. Over 16 million Americans suffer from depression every year. While it can be challenging managing a mental problem such as depression, or anxiety, there are a few things that you can do to help regulate your mood. This post will cover how to increase happy hormones in the body.

First, please understand that I am not a medical doctor, nor claim to be one. The information I am providing in this post is a result of my personal research. If you think you are struggling with depression or anxiety, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

What causes depression? The exact cause of depression is unknown. However, experts believe that a combination of genetic, biological, and psychological factors contribute to the cause. Additionally, according to Mayo Clinic, stress is hard on your body and can contribute to more serious diseases, such as heart problems and diabetes.

It is also widely believed that depression is the result of happy hormone imbalance. Some of these hormones include:

• Serotonin: It is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your sleep, appetite, digestion, memory, and mood.
• Endorphins: It is a natural pain reliever. Your body produces in response to stress. When the levels of endorphins are high, you tend to engage in rewarding activities such as eating, working out, or having sex.
• Dopamine: Often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. It is an essential part of the brain’s reward system. This hormone is related to pleasure, learning, memory, motor system functions, and much more.
• Oxytocin: It is the “cuddle hormone” and predominant in women. Oxytocin is crucial for childbirth, breastfeeding, and child bonding.

There are many natural activities that are mood-booster, and will help balance hormones in natural ways.

Think of Good Things

Our brain naturally gravitates to the negative by reacting more to the negative stimulus. When reflecting on your day, what do you usually think about? The twenty things that you did right, or the one or two that went wrong?

You have to train your brain to think of good things. Even when they seem small, celebrate those little accomplishments.

In his book, Just One Thing, Dr. Rick Hanson cleverly puts that you should taste and enjoy these positive events. Turn these events into experience.

Overtime, you will be surprised to see how your brain will begin to focus more on the positive rather than the negative.

Get Outside

Spending time outdoors is a great way to boost your endorphins and serotonin levels. Go out for a little walk. If you can’t walk in your neighborhood, drive to a park. Start with 10 to 15 minutes, and slowly increase. A little exercise is also a bonus for regular sleep, clearing your mind, and keep your heart strong.

It is even better if you do it in the sunlight. The exposure to the sunlight will increase the production of both hormones and help the body to synthesize vitamin D.

Do an Activity With a Loved One

Cooking a meal, dancing, exercising, or playing a board game with a loved one can help boost happy hormones. When doing these activities with a loved one can boost oxytocin levels.

Eating something that you really enjoy can trigger the release of dopamine and endorphins. Also, certain foods can increase happy hormones in the body.

Gardening

Working in the garden reduces cortisol levels — the chemical your body produces in response to stress. Just sitting by a garden will help. In fact, more hospitals are adding gardens to their facilities to help patients to heal faster.

There are several studies that show that gardening can improve your physical and emotional well-being, along with some social benefits. Whether you have a nice patch or just a few pots on the deck, you can reap the benefits of gardening.

Meditation

Meditation is very beneficial to mental health and happiness. It stimulates a gland that releases endorphins, promoting relaxation, wellbeing, and self-healing. Practicing it can also improve focus, while lowering pain, anxiety, and depression.

It also provide you with a sense of calm and peace. While meditating, all the information overload that builds during the day may be cleared away.

There are many types of meditation. You can select one that works best for you, and do it. You will soon notice a difference.

Get Enough Sleep

Another way to increase happy hormones in the body is by getting enough sleep. It can contribute to hormone imbalance, especially dopamine, and it can hurt your mental and physical health.

It is crucial to set aside at least 8 hours to sleep each night. While you are asleep, your body restores the balance of hormones in your body.

Listen to Music

This is a no brainer. Listening to music activates the pleasure part of your brain and will increase dopamine production. Also, positive music will increase serotonin production.

According to a research in 2012, creating, performing, dancing, or singing lead to endorphin release.