Happy Hormones Explained: Discover How to Boost Your Mood Naturally

Discover how to boost happy hormones naturally for a better mood. Explore foods, tips, and the role of these hormones in your overall well-being.

Introduction to Happy Hormones

Did you know that how you’re feeling is largely dictated by your hormones? Many of your mood swings are caused by hormonal imbalances, too. Hormones are chemicals released by various glands in your bloodstream. They carry messages of your bodily functions to all organs in your body. One of their key functions is to regulate your emotions. And the hormones responsible for doing this are called happy hormones. When these happy hormones are released in ample amounts, they can encourage positive feelings like happiness and pleasure. Let’s begin by understanding what are happy hormones. 

Explore this short session on how to pursue happiness with Dr. Shubha Vilas on SoulSensei.

What Are Happy Hormones?

You must’ve heard the term happy hormones quite often and wondered, what are happy hormones? We’ll answer that for you here. There are 4 hormones of happiness. And each of them needs to be balanced for you to feel emotionally regulated daily. Happy hormones in human body are essential for emotional and mental well-being. Let’s further break down the 4 hormones of happiness. They’re as follows.

1. Dopamine

This feel-good hormone is associated with feelings of pleasure, learning, memory and happiness. It is the most important part of your brain’s system when it comes to evoking joy and happiness.

2. Serotonin

This happy hormone helps regulate your emotions while aiding your sleep functions, learning power and memory.

3. Oxytocin

Also known as the ‘love hormone’, this happy hormone promotes bonding in the relationships of your life. It is also responsible for feelings of empathy and trust.

4. Endorphins

Often called natural pain relievers, these hormones help combat stress and discomfort. They can be released by indulging in rewarding activities like working out or eating right.

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The Role of Happy Hormones in the Human Body

Now that we’ve understood the 4 hormones of happiness, let’s define the role of happy hormones in human body. Happy hormones are released by the pituitary gland and they’re responsible for important functions like the ones listed below.

• Emotional regulation
• Alleviating stress and anxiety
• Improving mood
• Regulating sleep
• Pain relief
• Enhancing pleasure

Which Hormone Is Responsible for Happiness?

While all the happy hormones in the human body contribute to happiness, if you were to ask us specifically which hormone is responsible for happiness, our answer would be dopamine. It is the primary driver of your brain’s reward system and releases every time you experience something pleasurable. 

Foods That Boost Happy Hormones

If you’re wondering how to release happy hormones, eating right is key. There is a certain types of food for happy hormones. These can help boost these hormones and can have a significant impact on the balance levels. Foods for happy hormones can trigger their release and can make eating that much more enjoyable. If you’re looking to improve your mood, include these items of food for happy hormones in your diet.

• Spices to release endorphins in your body.
• High-protein foods with good fats like beans and almonds are great for boosting dopamine.
• Tryptophan-rich foods like milk trigger serotonin release.
• Probiotics like yoghurt and kimchi can help improve gut health while balancing your hormones overall.

Read more on: How to be happy alone

How to Release Happy Hormones Naturally

In addition to including the right food for happy hormones in your diet, there are a few more things you can do to boost them. Here are some answers to your question of how to release happy hormones.

1. Spend Time Outdoors

Going outside for as little as 15 minutes in the sunlight can help boost serotonin levels significantly. Try to get some outdoor time a few days a week if not more to improve your mood.

2. Exercise Daily

Moving your body can help release endorphins which can instantly lift your mood. Regular exercising can also improve the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your body. Apart from this, physical exercise has many health benefits too.

3. Socialise

Laughing with a friend can trigger endorphin release and reduce stress and anxiety. You don’t have to attend every social event circled on your calendar but even a phone call or a comedy movie night with a loved one can significantly boost your happy hormone levels. 

4. Enjoy Music

Listening to music can help release dopamine and serotonin. It can bring about positive change in your mood.

5. Pet an Animal

If you have a pet of your own, nothing like it. But even if you don’t, while you’re outside and you come across a friendly dog or a cat, pet them. Doing so has been shown to boost oxytocin levels in your body.

6. Get Good Sleep

When you don’t sleep enough, it can negatively impact your happy hormones. It can bring about an imbalance, especially in the dopamine hormone. It’s important to get seven to nine hours of deep sleep every night for your happy hormones to function effectively.

7. Meditate

Meditation has been shown to boost dopamine production in your brain. It has many benefits, like reducing stress and anxiety while improving your sleep quality.

Try this morning meditation with Shreans Daga to align your day.

Happy hormones are chemicals in your body that are responsible for evoking feelings of pleasure and joy. There are four happy hormones in total – dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin. The hormone most responsible for happiness is dopamine. You can boost the release of these hormones by eating right, exercising every day, getting enough sleep, going outdoors, socialising, listening to music and meditating. Explore guided meditations to boost happiness with experts on SoulSensei.

Sources

• Samitivej – 8 key factors behind the production of happiness hormones. By Phaisit Trakulkongsmut.
• Healthline – How to hack your hormones for a better mood. By Crystal Raypole.