Be Inspired..!!

A friendly guide to your feel-good chemicals…with Amazon links, because of course

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Let me start by saying this: I didn’t know brain chemicals were a thing until my third late-night spiral into “Why am I sad if nothing is technically wrong?”

That’s when I fell into the rabbit hole of happy brain chemicals—you know, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. They sounded like characters from a Netflix drama. But turns out, they’re real, they live in your brain, and they decide if you feel like Beyoncé or Eeyore on any given day.

So, let’s talk about them—like real people. No science degree needed. And yes, I’ll share some Amazon finds that helped me turn the ship around.

1. Dopamine – The “Heck Yes!” Chemical

Dopamine is that little high-five your brain gives you when you finish something, achieve a goal, or even check a box on a to-do list. For me, dopamine hits were happening when I’d crush a deadline, but also when I’d add “shower” to my to-do list just so I could cross it off.

The problem? I was relying on sugar and Instagram likes for my dopamine boosts. Bad idea. So I switched it up.

What helped:

🧠 Habit Tracker Journal – Clever Fox Planner

I know, I sound like one of those “planner people,” but this thing turned my chaotic brain into a little dopamine factory. Checking off “drink water” felt like winning a Grammy. And honestly? That’s what I needed.

🎧 Bose Wireless Headphones – QuietComfort SE

Productivity music + noise cancellation = focus mode activated. Every time I sit down with these on, my brain knows it’s time to earn those feel-good vibes.

2. Serotonin – The Calm Confidence Chemical

This one is like the Zen master of brain chemicals. It keeps your mood steady, helps you sleep better, and makes you feel like “I got this,” even if your inbox is on fire.

I didn’t realize my serotonin was out of whack until I noticed that sunshine, sleep, and social connection were all missing from my life. It was like my emotional immune system had taken a sabbatical.

What helped:

🌞 Sunlight Therapy Lamp – Verilux HappyLight

I live in a place where winter lasts half the year and the sun is a rumor. This little lamp sits on my desk and tricks my brain into thinking I’ve been kissed by the sun. Total game-changer.

🧘 Yoga Mat + Beginner App Combo – BalanceFrom Yoga Set

I’m not a yoga girlie, but stretching on this mat for just 10 minutes in the morning? My serotonin does a little shoulder shimmy.

🍃 Ashwagandha Gummies – Goli Ashwagandha

Ok, I was skeptical. But these helped me feel a little less like a balloon about to pop. Plus, they taste like candy, which doesn’t hurt.

3. Oxytocin – The Warm Hug Chemical

Oxytocin is the one that makes you feel safe, loved, and connected. It’s the reason you feel fuzzy when your best friend hugs you or your dog licks your face. (Unless you hate dog slobber. Then…maybe not.)

I used to think I was “fine” being independent. But the truth? I missed hugs. And real, human connection. I was living in text bubbles and Zoom screens. Oxytocin had packed its bags.

What helped:

🐶 Pet Snuggles – If you don’t have a pet, I highly recommend borrowing one. Or…

🧸 Weighted Stuffed Animal – Hugimals Weighted Plush

Yes, I’m an adult. Yes, I hug a weighted sloth named Sam. No, I’m not embarrassed. This thing feels like a warm hug. My oxytocin eats it up.

📬 Handwritten Cards Set – Hallmark Blank Cards with Envelopes

I started sending snail mail again. Old-school, I know. But writing little notes to friends made me feel weirdly connected—and guess what? They wrote back.

4. Endorphins – The “Ahh That Feels Good” Chemical

These are your body’s natural painkillers. They kick in when you exercise, laugh, or eat dark chocolate. Basically, they’re your brain’s way of saying, “You’re doing amazing, sweetie,” even when you’re sweating like a goat on a treadmill.

But for me, exercise always felt like a punishment. Until I changed the script.

What helped:

👟 Mini Trampoline – BCAN Foldable Rebounder

Yes, I bought a trampoline like an over-caffeinated toddler. But bouncing for 10 minutes while blasting Lizzo? I giggled. I sweated. I felt alive.

📺 Laugh Therapy – Ok, not a product, but hear me out.

I created a “Laugh So Hard You Snort” playlist on YouTube. Every time I feel the blues creeping in, I watch babies laughing at dogs or Key & Peele skits. It’s endorphin magic.

🍫 Healthy-ish Chocolate – Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate

Endorphins love dark chocolate. I keep a bar in my drawer for emergency use only. (Okay, and Tuesday use.)

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken, You’re Just Low on Brain Juice

If you’ve been feeling off, it might not be your personality. It might just be your brain chemistry. And the good news? You don’t need a full-life makeover. You just need a few small shifts.

Some of these Amazon goodies made it fun for me. Because if I can’t feel like a million bucks, at least let me feel like $27.50 plus shipping.

Start with one thing—just one. Light a sun lamp. Hug a plush sloth. Bounce on a trampoline like your inner child is back from recess. These chemicals are already inside you. You just need to wake them up.

P.S.

If you read this and thought, “Wait, am I just a walking chemical soup?” The answer is: kinda. But like, a really cute and capable soup. One that shops on Amazon and is learning to love Mondays again.

You’ve got this. Now go make your brain happy. 

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect my recommendations.I only suggest products I’ve personally vetted.

If you’re into real talk about life’s messier moments, loneliness, starting over, and figuring it all out. I host a podcast called Alone-ish where I get into all that and more. It’s basically me, some unfiltered thoughts, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling a little… alone-ish. https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ju9x9j8Q4RiONDf5XJ0g5?si=LYOFRkenSn-Pg4VTClRoog