151032
The Happiness in You
People often say: “Happiness is in your heart.” or “Happiness comes from within.” but do we really understand where our happiness comes from? Do we know that happiness actually lies inside us just to be aroused and released? People who complain that they are unhappy may not understand the process of happiness synthesis.
Every human brain contains neurotransmitters, four of which stimulate the positive emotions through the release of these hormones – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphin sometimes referred to as D.O.S.E. If we want to take control of our own happiness, we should understand how these brain chemicals work and what affects happiness each day, starting with:
Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter sending signals from the end of one neuron to the next when receiving pleasurable experiences such as a friend posting birthday wishes for you on social media, getting a high score of a game, or somebody buying you desserts. The real function of dopamine involves motivational behaviors within you that make you complete a particular task. Low levels of dopamine inhibit your actions. The “slackers” have been seen to have low levels of dopamine, while the “go-getters” who will do anything to achieve something have been found to have high levels of dopamine.
The hormone also plays a role in our movement. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have difficulty controlling their movements when dopamine is not secreted or when there are low levels of dopamine. People with Schizophrenia face delusions and see hallucinations when dopamine levels in the brain fluctuate.
Oxytocin is often affectionately referred to as the “love hormone” or the “hugging drug” because it is released by the brain during physical contact with others. It’s also the feeling behind love, compassion, or deep trust. It gives us lasting feelings of calmness and safety. The impact of this hormone signifies humans as social animals. It boosts our immune systems, makes us better problem solvers and helps us let go of our fears and stress.
This hormone also helps us become more generous and selfless as well as helps us relax and sleep better. When we are in stressful conditions, the stress hormone ‘cortisol’ is released. Oxytocin is then released to counteract the effects of cortisol. We can increase our oxytocin levels by simply having positive social interactions such as working smoothly with others, sharing a meal, giving a gift or providing full attention while listening to someone.
It has been found that oxytocin can be used to relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders and eating disorders. There’s even some evidence that oxytocin could assist in physical wound healing.
Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter found in the brain and various other parts of the body. Most of the serotonin is produced by microbes present in the gut which is then transported towards the brain. Serotonin plays an important role in maintaining circadian rhythm or the sleep-wake cycle and helping regulate mood. It is also known as the “leader’s hormone” that creates strong, positive emotions and involves the positive dynamics of pride, loyalty and status.
When we feel a sense of accomplishment or recognition from others, we are experiencing the effects of serotonin, for example, graduation, getting accepted to study, winning a competition or being appreciated for hard work. Serotonin also plays a role in many crucial systems in our body beyond just our well-being and happiness including our appetite and digestive activities, memory consolidation, bone growth and even organ development.
Endorphins or ‘feel-good’ hormones are essentially released in response to joy of the end of competition or the performance that makes your heart leap, for instance. They work like the natural pain killers, helping us push our bodies beyond their comfort levels and persist. Once we remove the pain part of the equation, endorphins can feel like a “high” or even just a nice relaxing feeling. Taking a freezing cold shower in the morning, for example, can give us a huge boost of endorphins. The joyful feelings we get from deep belly laughs is caused by endorphins because the contraction of stomach muscles is painful enough to release a few feel-good endorphins into body.
We were born with happiness hidden in our bodies, if only we know how to release it. Understanding the roles of these hormones in our daily life can help us have better control their effects and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com, http://www.starrystories.com
Gouin, J. P., Carter, C. S., Pournajafi-Nazarloo, H., Glaser, R., Malarkey, W. B., Loving, T. J., … Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2010). Marital behavior, oxytocin, vasopressin, and wound healing. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 35(7), 1082-1090.
