10+ WAYS TO ACTIVATE THOSE HAPPY HORMONES
Happy Mental Health awareness month friends! Let’s talk about some quick strategies that can help us better ourselves! And who would we be if we didn’t incorporate some Science in here too 🧑🔬. These four hormones are known as the happy hormones that help us to feel our best, relaxed, balanced and loving. We’ve listed them and even given you ways to unlock each one so you can have an improved mental state as we head into Summer!
Dopamine, or “The Reward Chemical”
Dopamine is often called the “happy” hormone and it spikes when we experience anything pleasurable. So think about whenever you’re doing something you enjoy! Your brain is automatically going into happy mode and you're able to feel and be present. Here are some things you can do to increase this reward chemical!
Complete a task! It can be big or small and you only need to do it for 2-3 minutes. When we complete a task that we were putting off, it can be so rewarding when we finally get it done.
Partake in a self-care activity! What do you like to do for self-care? Self-care can be anything that you make it and can look different for everyone.
Appreciating every bite. Whether that be your favorite meal or in life! Savor the small things. Really indulge and take a moment to be in the moment for the things you enjoy.
Oxytocin, or “The Love Hormone”
Oxytocin is another happy hormone and can increase positive emotion. Here’s some small but easy tasks you can use to activate this love hormone!
Give a compliment to someone you love, a stranger, or even to yourself! Compliments are such a small but fulfilling way to make anyone feel good.
Listening to music! When was the last time you listened to your favorite album straight through? Now is the time!
Opening yourself to new things and people. Opening up can be a difficult feat for some, but gaining that courage to do so will give you the best return! Open yourself to love so it can come back tenfold.
Serotonin, or “The Mood Stabilizer”
It can be very complex and multifaceted, but allow us to break it down. At the core of it all serotonin regulates your mood, happiness and anxiety. Here are some ways to raise your serotonin so you can be stabilized!
Meditation. Meditating can center and balance you in so many ways! It reminds us to be mindful and stay present in the moment. It can be intimidating at first, so try out a simple 5 to 10 minute guided meditation on YouTube to help you! We’ve put a few we love below to get you started.
10-Minute Guided Meditation for Beginners to Clear Thoughts
Get some Sun! Vitamin D is needed especially as it starts to get warmer out! Seasonal depression is real, and a lot of us are coming out of our winter blues. Get outside and let the sun hit your skin friend! It’ll do wonders for your overall mood.
Becoming self-aware of your emotions. Knowing and observing your emotions and validating them will do you a huge favor. We must acknowledge the fact that we feel things and that they’re important to us, even if it's embarrassing or uncomfortable . Don’t sweep those emotions under the rug. Feel them so you can move on knowing you took the time to validate yourself.
Endorphins, or “The Pain Killer”
Your body produces this hormone so that you can feel calm and at ease! Here are some ways to raise your endorphin levels so you can relax!
Laughing. So simple, but so effective! Laughing with family, friends, or even yourself can produce endorphins making you feel more calm and relaxed.
Dance break! Show us those moves! Get up and get active friends! Listening to your favorite jam and dancing is a wonderful way to let go of anxiety or any nerves that are bothering you. Check out our playlist here! Apple Music or Spotify
Going out and having fun. Lots of times we go out to run errands or to go to work, but what about intentionally going out to be creative and have fun? Plan a solo date or a day out with your friends to have fun! Do something new, or something you’ve always wanted to try!
Have you tried any of these? Tell us about it in the comments! If not the time is NOW! It’s time to prioritize you and your mental health so that you can be the best you, and reclaim YOUR SUMMER. It may be difficult at first, but with these easy tips and activities you’ll be feeling and looking happier than ever!
