We all want to be Happy. Happy people are healthy people. We envy people who are happy & think that they are rich or lucky. The truth is that there is a science behind being happy and it is dependent on certain hormones (or chemical messengers). This article tries to explain the same.
Human happiness (as we know it) is caused by 4 basic chemicals / hormones:
- Endorphins
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Oxytocin
Human happiness is incomplete without all 4 chemicals constantly being released in the brain.
Endorphins:
Released to cope with the pain of physical exercise. It is also called endogenous morphine. It relieves pain & gives a feeling of “High”. One begins to enjoy exercise because of endorphins. Laughing & Dancing also releases endorphin.
Dopamine:
Released by when you find something you are looking for or achieving goals set by you, removing things from “To Do” list, buying things (or Shopping), getting bonus or reward on achieving specific targets. The whole advertisement industry runs on releases of dopamine. You see an ad & then you desire to buy something & fell happy when you finally buy it.
Dopamine & Endorphin are “selfish” chemicals. They don’t last long.
Serotonin:
It is released when we help others. Feeling of status, pride or public recognition. When we give to causes beyond ourselves and our own benefit. That’s why you often see billionaires turning to charity when they have already bought everything they wanted to & experienced everything they wanted to in life. Making sacrifice, also releases Serotonin. Lack of serotonin, may lead to depression with is treated with drugs like SSRIs, which increase the level of serotonin.
Oxytocin:
It is released during intimate physical touch. When we hug our children or friends, or shake someone’s hand, massage someone or play with dogs, Oxytocin is released in varying amounts. Oxytocin boosts your immunity & reduces stress. Big business ideas like Facebook & WhatsApp understand & exploit this concept. In-fact the whole social media is built around this. The first thing you do after you wake up is to check your messages, because doing so releases Oxytocin & make you happy.
Serotonin & Oxytocin are “self-less” chemicals.They last longer.
Since now you have this knowledge, what should you do to increase your happiness?
Incorporating these things in your like will increase your happiness.
- Regular Exercise ... (Minimum 30 minutes of walk)
- Laughter. ... Watching a funny movie, reading Jokes on WhatsApp.
- Set a Goal & work on achieving it (e.g. learn something online or join a gym to lose weight)
- Learn to Dance or play a musical instrument.
- Get exposure to sun light (Minimum 15 minutes a day)
- Hug your loved ones.
- Get a Massage
- Get the right amount of sleep.
- Meditate
- Get Social…Spending time with friends and family
- Travel / Exploring new places
- Playing with your pets
- Help others – Volunteer for some Social Work
- Adequate Hydration
- Supplements...such as B complex.
- Get Health Checkup & Buy Health Insurance
If you liked this article, please share it with someone you care for. It would produce Oxytocin & make you Happy :).