Types of Happy Hormones and How to Boost Them!
Introduction
Happiness is the true wealth in our lives. It is very hard to be happy these days. Young minds are under stress due to heavy academic pressure. Professionals work hard to meet both ends. Homemakers struggle to complete all chores and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To remain happy, we need to understand the physiology behind it.
Happiness is directly related to the release of a set of hormones. They are called happy hormones. They are secreted when we are happy. Let us find out what hormones are first.
What are Hormones?
The complex chemical messengers produced by different endocrine glands in the human body are called hormones. They are secreted for a particular purpose. These messengers target tissue or another organ to promote a function.
These hormones are controlling agents that can promote or reduce the rate of various physiological functions such as digestion, growth metabolism, neural response, sexual function, mood, sleeping cycles, reproduction, blood pressure, sugar level, fluid balance, electrolyte balance, etc.
What are Happy Hormones?
Happy hormones are those chemical messengers that control the mood of a person. They are generally neurotransmitters in nature. Their prime function is to transmit a message between neurons. These hormones are of the following types.
1. Dopamine
The dopamine hormone is linked to the reward mechanism of our brains. It acts as a motivator to take certain actions and achieve our goals, desires, and needs. It is produced in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra of our brain. It is made of l-tyrosine, a non-essential amino acid.
From its definition, we can clearly understand what is dopamine and how important its uses are.
Here is a list of dopamine uses.
It is important for the control of our voluntary muscular movement.
It controls our memory.
It is linked to the pleasure centre and reward mechanism of the brain.
It controls mood and initiates sleep.
It also helps us in learning.
Its deficiency is linked to a lack of motivation, addictive behavior, mood swings, fatigue, and memory loss. Eating food containing l-tyrosine is how to increase dopamine secretion.
2. Serotonin
It is also another class of neurotransmitters produced in the brain and intestines. It also sends signals to the nerve cells. It can be found in blood platelets and in the central nervous system.
The functions of serotonin hormones are:
It reduces depression and elevates mood.
It can regulate anxiety levels.
Serotonin promotes the healing of wounds.
It can also stimulate nausea.
It also maintains bone health.
It also controls bowel movement, mood, sleep, blood clotting, and sexual functioning.
We can clearly understand how important this happy hormone is for our daily functioning. A proper diet, sunlight, and a healthy lifestyle are how to increase serotonin in our bodies.
3. Oxytocin
This is called the love hormone and is a neurotransmitter by function. It is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. This gland is called the master gland and is present at the base of the human brain.
Biologically, females produce more oxytocin than males. The functions of this hormone are:
The development of recognition
Bonding between parent and infant
Trust building
Lactation
Uterine mobility during labour
This hormone is released when an individual is close to someone he/she loves. It is directly linked to mood elevation and fighting mood disorders.
4. Endorphins
These hormones are linked to mood elevation and are considered happy hormones. This class of hormones is directly linked to physical exercise. They act as natural painkillers. It can maximize pleasure and minimize discomfort.
Happy Hormones in the Human Brain
Also Read- Role of Hormones in the Human Body
How to Increase Happy Hormones in the Body?
Now that we have studied the hormones responsible for happiness, let us find out the hormone responsible for sadness. It is obvious that there must be a balance between happiness and sadness. This balance proves the presence of sad hormones in the human body.
Cortisols or stress hormones can affect our mood. In most cases, the lack of happy hormones generally causes sadness. The absence of sunlight reduces the production of melatonin, a hormone indirectly linked to our happiness.
Let us find out how we can increase the level of happy hormones.
1. Physical exercise
Any kind of physical activity either done solo or in a group will increase the formation of happy hormones in your body. If you do it in a group, you will observe how your happiness level increases day by day. Physical exercise also reduces the level of sad hormones. Hence, regular exercise will maintain the perfect balance between happy and sad hormones.
2. Good food
Good food is the best way to elevate your mood. This is why sad people tend to eat more food. Make sure you eat healthy food and maintain a proper diet. Good health automatically makes you happy.
3. Laugh more
There is an age-old saying that depicts laughter is the best medicine. Definitely, it is. Laughing with friends helps you to release stress. It also creates positivity in your mind. You will feel confident and energetic. A good circle of friends can be the best way to stay happy.
4. Sleep well
Make sure you get a good sleep every night. After a long day, a good night's sleep is what you need to bust stress and unwind. This is the best you can follow and learn how to release happy hormones naturally.
5. Listening to your favorite music
The best therapy for your mind is music. Find your genre and discover the best tracks. Listen to music and make more happy hormones.
Stay Happy with Happy Hormones
This is what happy hormones are. Learn how you can naturally increase your happy hormone levels by balancing your life perfectly. Raise awareness of mental health and let us make our society a better place.
