The times we live in now are laden with a lot of negativity, struggles, death, stress and many things we really do not want to talk about, but our bodies are our own best friends if we treat it right. The brain being the power house of our body is chiefly in charge of correcting certain wrongs within our mind spaces, by secreting certain hormones that perform some kind of cleanse, and infuses mood boosters that keep us moving forward and forging ahead to conquer.
Some of these hormones actually keep us safe. Isn’t that wonderful? It doesn’t end there, some even make us feel all warm and cozy inside, and helps with our ability to be all lovey dovey. Interestingly, there are numerous hormones at work in our bodies doing very many different things, but we’re starting with these four today.
These four hormones are listed below. They include;
Dopamine:
Your body produces dopamine when you find things that meet your needs. This feeling is what motivates you to get what you need, even when it takes a lot of effort. Dopamine is your cheerleader, encouraging you to seek and achieve new rewards.
When you reach a new goal, your body is already on to seeking the next thing to create more dopamine. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter. Your body makes it, and your nervous system uses it to send messages between nerve cells. That’s why it’s sometimes called a chemical messenger. Dopamine plays a role in how we feel pleasure. It’s a big part of our unique human ability to think and plan.
Oxytocin:
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. It’s sometimes known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially. Your body produces oxytocin when you feel safe with others and start a bond with them.
Oxytocin makes you want to be part of the group and motivates you to trust others. That trust often means safety in companionship. Do you ever do something because you know your family would be proud of you for it, but it doesn’t exactly line up with your values? it’s your body’s natural tendency to want to produce oxytocin.
Serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human body. It is sometimes called the happy chemical, because it contributes to wellbeing and happiness. Your body produces serotonin when you feel respected by others or have the feeling of pride.
Our primitive brain sees security in social importance. You may feel this in your daily life because we strive to feel special and can’t help but to compare ourselves. When we fight, we want to win to get that hit of serotonin. Being a loser or feeling inferior means a depletion of this chemical.
Endorphins
Unlike the addictive or sometimes destructive class of drugs known as opiods, Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body naturally to relieve stress and pain.Your body produces endorphins when your body feels like it needs to protect you from the feeling of pain.
Essentially, this chemical masks pain. When your body produces endorphins, it’s motivating you to ignore pain so that you can escape harm. This is also the chemical that is released after extreme exercise. It’s that high you feel after a great workout and is likely one reason why you may go back for more.
Activities/habits that boost the production of these hormones.
Dopamine
- Celebrate your small wins once per day.
- Work on your goal for 10-15 minutes per day.
Oxytocin
- Take very small steps to rebuild trust with someone.
- Practice being trustworthy by honoring your commitments, and following through with your word.
Serotonin
- Tell someone about something great you did.
- Notice your influence on others.
- Learn to feel safe when you’re not in control.
Endorphins
- Find something to laugh about every day.
- Vary your exercise routine.