The Chemical 'Locha' of Happiness

When our brain releases one of these chemicals, we feel good.

It would be nice if they surged all the time. But they don't work that way. Each chemical has a special job to do and it turns off when the job is done.

But what if we can train our brain to stimulate these happy chemicals to make us happier?

How can you stimulate dopamine in positive ways?

Take baby steps. The idea of breaking down a tough task you have to get done makes it feel more do-able. Your brain will reward you with dopamine each time, helping you achieve the goal.

Do a victory dance. Congratulating yourself on any little achievement will make you feel good.

Raise the bar slowly. Make your goals realistic to begin with and build from there.

Act. Set aside 10 minutes a day to work on concrete actions and dopamine will help you generate the energy to do so.

How can you stimulate serotonin in positive ways?

Enjoy where you are. It's not always best to be in the driving seat, so know when to be happy to be the passenger. Status goes up and down.

Notice your influence. Without being controlling or arrogant, you can see when people have taken your lead. Don't expect credit, just take time to appreciate your good effort on others.

Surrender control. Much of the time we can't control what's happening and that can be a big source of frustration. Choose one control 'habit' that you have and try to let it go.

Take pride. Make up your mind to say 'look what I've done' without being too tied up with the reaction - accept that it may not always be the one you want.

How can you stimulate oxytocin in positive ways?

Be trustworthy. If others know they can trust you, you're more likely to feel you can trust them.

Find a proxy. Trust takes time to build, so you could get a pet that will be loyal, join a group where you won't be judged, or play a sport where you can share ups and downs.

Have a massage. Taking time to apply body lotion or face cream can also make a difference to feelings of well-being. As touch stimulates oxytocin, be more 'cuddly' with your partner, friends or family, too.

Count your change. Verify your trust. This helps you to become able to build trust with strangers rather staying with who you know.

How can you stimulate endorphin in positive ways?
Laugh.  A true belly laugh will 'shake up' your insides in a good way. Genuine laughing (which makes you face ache) is thought to release fear.
Cry. Holding back tears can build up tension, whereas if you let it go when you need to, it's a physical relief from tension generally in the body and especially in the diaphragm.
Exercise. But change it around, as working the same muscles leads to wear and tear or injury. Feeling uncoordinated is the point - 'new' movement is how you get the endorphin rush. Make it fun, so that you laugh at the same time.
Stretch. It's a great way to boost circulation. Stretch those muscles you never even know you had.

Knowing the chemical 'locha' responsible for your happiness, you can re-wire your brain to be happier and have more ups and fewer downs. 'Coz you have the power when you know how your brain works and it feels good!

Just be happy without a reason, keep a smile all the season,

Life is too short to be stressed, so stay happy, stay blessed!!