The daily practice that wires happiness
When we ask ourselves, what makes us happy we generally think of the people in our lives, circumstances and possessions.
But in reality, happiness is mostly a chemical experience.
There are 4 main neurochemicals, hormones and neurotransmitters generated in the brain that are fundamentally responsible for creating the sensations and emotions we associate with happiness – endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.
The good news is that with a little bit of knowledge we can trigger happiness whenever we want.
So, the next time anxiety threatens to extinguish your joy or life feels out of control or not exactly the way you’d like it to be there are simple things you can do to take charge, increase your happy chemicals and dramatically change how you feel.
Happiness is on the Way
Endorphins
Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system and help us deal with physical pain. They also make us feel lightheaded and giddy. They produce what we know as the ‘runner’s high’ and also the good feeling after just 30 minutes of walking. If this is the boost you need, get walking outside in nature versus a treadmill and amplify the good feelings.
Serotonin
Serotonin is the best know happiness chemical neurotransmitter. It is naturally triggered by several things we each do every day. Getting out in the sunshine and happy thoughts (like the ones you experience from journaling in your OH MY WORD journal) stimulate the production of serotonin. If you‘re an OH MY WORD journaler this is awesome news because as you know the happy thoughts and good feelings experienced during the morning ritual repeat throughout the day thus generating a steady flow of serotonin.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter often referred to as the chemical of ‘reward’. After you accomplish a task like completing your 5-minute OH MY WORD daily ritual you receive a pleasurable hit of dopamine in your brain that tells you – way to go…good job! Thoughts of loving kindness can bring on a dopamine high too so spread the love with a loving intention and keep the dopamine hits continuing all day.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is primarily associated with loving touch and close relationships. It’s the warm fuzzies that make us tingle all over. To get an instant hit of oxytocin give someone you love a cuddle even a furry friend will do the trick.
There you have it! The 4 feel good hormones and neurotransmitters and how they work. Now you can trigger them whenever you want.
Start OH MY WORD journaling and get a big hit of both serotonin and dopamine first thing every morning.
Now that’s the way to get The Happy Factor at work in your life.
Zap Anxiety and Amplify Joy + Happiness
Does anxiety and negative thought stop You from being the person you want to be and following your dreams? OH MY WORD is a science based, 5 minute, one-word daily journal that allows you to take charge of your life, become the person you want to be and live with joy and fulfillment.
ONE WORD CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
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20 Replies to “The daily practice that wires happiness”
being happy is a life choice. being able to look at the bright side will make you feel good. the important thing is being contented of what you have and being happy with the things that you can acquire.
The best thing in life is to be happy. The most significant aspect is to be contented.
nice article it really amazed me. really helpful
I am excited to note the four hormones. It reminds me of how I reward myself whenever I complete a task. Thanks a lot for sharing this article.
Happiness is something that you choose to create. Living your life with heart full of happiness is a wise choice.
Your happiness depends on you. it’s the state of mental mind , body and emotion. Have a healthy mind and body. Life is short. Always be happy 🙂
Great advice for happy living. Staring at nature I find also adds to your emotional well-being. Looking back at photos of valued memories is key too, or even reliving them in your head. Thanks for the uplifting piece!
This is very essential in the midst of this pandemic. It is hard to be happy sure but that is just a matter of perspective. Happiness starts from within.
I never thought there was an actual scientific explanation for happiness. This is very interesting.
A quick brisk walk can help release endorphins which makes us happy. Good to know physical exercise not only helps with health but makes us happier too
Can these hormones be introduced to the body physically? Would doing that be dangerous?
This is the holistic approach! There are medications that stimulate the production of them.
Of all the four, I am only aware of dopamine. Thank you for expanding my knowledge.
I need Oh My Word Journal in my life. I could use the daily dose of happiness!!
I can gather from this that oxytocin is the hormone of love. Very interesting read.
Thanks Cheryl for the lovely article on happiness. Simply reading this made me happy 🙂 🙂
It’s comforting to know that Oh My Word Journal has a scientific basis to it. It has my stamp of approval.
Doesn’t serotonin also help with sleep? I think I have read something like that before.
Serotonin regulates anxiety, happiness and mood. Yes it can help with sleep.
Indeed, one word can change your life! OH MY WORD is simply magical to say the least.