While happiness may not always be a choice, there are certain things you can do to increase your happiness. One of these things is finding your happy chemicals! There are four main happy chemicals that your brain recognizes, and each one signals different versions of positive, happy feelings. Through completing certain tasks, practicing self-care, or even eating certain foods, you can signal these happy chemicals. Even completing one example below can help lift you out of a negative or “blah” type of mood.
The four main happy chemicals are serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. Keep reading to learn about what each one does, including 5 ways to hack it and feel good!
Serotonin
Serotonin is known as the happy chemical. Many anti-depressants actually trigger this chemical to be released. However, there are a few hacks you can use to trigger this naturally.
- Get some sun
- Meditate
- Take a nature walk
- Eat foods with tryptophan including salmon, eggs, and nuts
- Do aerobic exercise
Dopamine
Dopamine is a chemical in your brain that makes you feel happy through a reward system.
- Complete a task on your to-do list
- Listen to music
- Eat a tasty treat
- Complete self-care activities
- Take a nap
Endorphins
Endorphins are natural painkillers that our body instinctually produces. These hormones work against signals of pain or stress and make us feel good.
- Go for a run
- Laugh with friends or at a funny tv show
- Have sex
- Eat spicy foods
- Get a massage
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is known as the love hormone. It makes you feel the warm and fuzzy kind of happy feelings.
- Cuddle with someone
- Hug someone
- Play with a dog
- Spend time with loved ones
- Write a love note to someone