The Science Behind Happiness Hormones: Serotonin, Endorphin, Dopamine, and Oxytocin

2024-02-05 17:22:54

Serotonin, endorphin, dopamine and oxytocin are the so-called happiness hormones. According to scientific literature, this relationship is based on the sensations they produce when they are active, as they promote a feeling of well-being.

While happiness can be subjective, from a general perspective it is closely related to the feeling of pleasure. From this principle, the effects of the hormones in question stand out for positively influencing the mood of the human being.

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, for example, play a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and other physiological processes. For its part, dopamine is related to motivation and pleasure.

Happiness is an emotional state that human beings experience when they feel satisfied. | Photo: Tim Robberts

Since these are positive impulses, it is worth delving into what type of actions these hormones activate. In fact, just adopt simple habits:

• Physical exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to increase serotonin, endorphin and dopamine levels, improving mood. Physical activity can also help reduce stress.

• Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin.

• Balanced diet: Eating foods rich in tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, can help. Some examples include turkey, chicken, eggs, nuts, and dairy products.

• Adequate sleep: Insufficient sleep can negatively affect serotonin and dopamine levels, affecting mood. It is important to maintain a good sleeping habit.

• Listening to music: Listening to the musical genre that you enjoy the most can activate the brain’s reward system and increase the release of endorphins.

Listening to your favorite music stimulates the release of endorphins. | Photo: Getty Images

• Social relationships: Social support and meaningful relationships can also have a positive impact on serotonin and dopamine production.

• Hugging: Physical contact, such as hugging, can stimulate the release of oxytocin. Hugging friends, family, or loved ones can promote a sense of connection and well-being.

• Self-care: Taking time to care for yourself, whether through relaxing activities like a hot bath or massage session, can promote the release of oxytocin by fostering feelings of self-acceptance and well-being.

Putting these habits into practice helps activate serotonin, endorphin, dopamine and oxytocin, promoting their effects on the body. Although they are related to the feeling of well-being, the expression “hormone of happiness” has been coined by popular tradition, so it might not necessarily fit the concept of each person.

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