There are four happiness hormones that are in the spotlight – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. Each hormone has a different purpose to serve, and doing certain things triggers either one of these or all. That means you can totally hack all the four happiness hormones, and take charge of your own  happiness. 

So, how should you go about it? Here are few ways to trick your hormones and stay happy :

Endorphins – Endorphins relieve pain, reduce stress and boost feelings of pleasure and physical well being. To increase them :

• Exercise
• Have sex
• Laugh
• Burn essential oils
• Dance
• Be creative
• Eat spicy food
• Vent about stressful situations
• Eat dark chocolate
• Drink red wine

Serotonin – Serotonin stabilises our mood, improves sleep, and manages emotions, appetite and digestion. To increase them :

• Meditate/breathing exercises
• Do yoga
• Spend time in nature
• Listen to white-noise/nature sounds
• Spend time in the sun
• Take Vitamin D supplements
• Infrared sauna
• Get a massage
• Play easy-listening music
• Think positive thoughts.

Oxytocin – Known as the love hormone, oxytocin is responsible for the warm/fuzzy feelings that encourage us to bong with others.

• Pet an animal
• Do a good deed
• Hug someone
• Talk to a loved one on the phone
• Spend time with friends
• Get a massage
• Vitamin C&D supplements
• Consume caffeine
• Sing
• Do yoga

Dopamine – Dopamine is the feel-good hormone responsible for managing the brain’s reward centre.

• Listen to upbeat music
• Eat a protein-rich diet
• Exercise
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Meditate
• Complete a small task
• Spend time in the sun
• Eat chocolate.

How do you keep your good feeling hormones up?