HAPPY BRAIN CHEMICALS: D O S E

MEET
          YOUR
                      HAPPY
                                  BRAIN
                                              CHEMICALS
                                                                      D..O..S..E

                                                                     

What's the difference between dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins?

They all seem to be associated with "positive" feelings in the person, and oxytocin seems to be more prevalent in bonding type activities.

Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphin is all “Happy” neuro transmitters and plays a very critical role in our happiness quotient.

Dopamine: This is ‘Feel Good’ hormone which keeps you motivated and let you enjoy what you really like. Why do you feel good…when you win a lottery, meet your sales target, catch your train on time all.. or have your favorite ice cream… it all stimulate dopamine. Cannabis or marijuana also make your brain release dopamine and that’s why folks get addicted to this overdose of dopamine. On the other side of the spectrum, you might have met people who only like talking about them self, it’s not their fault, it’s pure neuro science at work. When somebody talks about them self, their brain releases dopamine and they want to continue doing that.

Oxytocin: This is ‘Bonding” hormone which help you create stronger bonds/trust/relationship with people around you. When a mother breast feeds her baby, both release high amount of oxytocin leading to strong bonding between them. Also the reason for bonding between couples/partners.. as this neuro transmitter is released during the orgasm as well. Another example is, you tend to get closer to people with good sense of humor, cause humor also help release oxytocin and you are more likely to bond with people who makes you laugh.

Serotonin: This is what makes you ‘Feel important’…it plays a critical role in how you live your life. A very simple way to keep the serotonin level up is by practice acknowledging/remembering your past successes, happy moments and showing gratitude to people around you. Folks with high suicidal tendency, or folks getting into anti-social activities lacks this neuro transmitter in their blood. Eat bananas, get out in sun for 20 minutes, it helps release serotonin. It is also very important for a good night sleep.

Endorphin: I would call this a ‘Rock star’ hormone. This helps us overcome our stress and pain caused due to physical activities. What do you think keeps a long distance runner or a fitness freak focused on his/her regime? It’s the Endorphin which keeps them going. It helps you recover from injuries and at the same time improve your immunity as well. Humor and laughter also helps create Endorphin, that’s one of the reason docs recommend you to laugh out loud.

Hope this give you an overview of these four pillars of our happiness..Ola.