6 ways to hack your happy brain chemicals to improve your mood 🧠 🤗

What is happiness, really?

Biologically, the feeling of happiness is created by the unique chemical hormonal reactions in your brain. There are 4 main chemicals responsible for our happiness:

• Dopamine — the pleasure hormone

• Oxytocin — the love hormone

• Endorphins — the feel-good hormone

• Serotonin — the happy hormone

Watch this video to learn more about these chemicals responsible for our mood:

Luckily, we aren't just passengers in this hormonal process.

In fact, it IS possible to hack these chemicals in our brains in order to improve mood.

Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash

Exercise is one surefire way to hack the chemicals in your brain to increaseyour mood. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to release at least two of the major chemical hormones responsible for mood, dopamine, and endorphins, as well as promoting the production of serotonin.

Youdon't need to engage in rigorous activity tostimulate the releaseand production of these chemicals. Find a physical activity that you love and get moving! You'll find your mood improvingin no time.

Laughter really is the best medicine. It's also an easy way to stimulate the release of endorphins. Laughter increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles.

Attend a comedy show, spend time with friends, or put on your favorite sitcom and watch your mood improve.

Photo by Kevin Quezada on Unsplash

Anyone with a pet knows just how beneficial being in their presence can be. Research has shown that interacting with pets decreases a person's level of cortisol, a stress-related chemical.

Spending time with a pet can create a bonding experience,which stimulates the release of oxytocin. If you aren't ready for the responsibility of a pet, consider volunteering at an animal shelter to help animals in need and get the oxytocin-boost you crave.

Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash

Regular sunshine does wonders for your mood. Our skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation (UV rays), which stimulates the production of serotonin in the body.

UV rays can lead to negative health effects, such as skin cancer, so be sure to liberallyapply sunscreen and try to limit exposure to the sun to under 20 minutes.

Photo by Ekaterina Shakharova on Unsplash

Giving and receiving hugs (especially from loved ones) releases oxytocin to the brain, leading to a feeling of happiness and calm.

Hold your loved ones tight and let this powerful hormone work its magic!

In today's hectic society, relaxation can be hard to come by. Not only is relaxation crucial for our physical and mental well-being, but it can also trigger the brain to release serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine.

Try engaging in a hobby, meditation, aromatherapy, journaling, yoga, massage, or being in nature. For more ways to relax, check out this resource.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Start hacking your brain chemicals and improve your mood.