They say happiness is a state of mind. It’s a choice we make daily to always look at the brighter side of life. However, on some gloomy days, feeling joy from within can feel like a far cry. You might struggle waking up from your bed or feeling happy from within. Just like stress and anxiety can aggravate the release of stress hormones like cortisol in our body, doing good things can boost happy hormones in the body alike. There are some activities we can do to light up that spark within us and bring back lost joy and peace.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr PV Vebkat Krishnan, Internal medicine, Artemis Hospital, to learn how to boost happy hormones to make your life happier even if you are presently dealing with sadness.

How can you boost happy hormones in your body?

There are various ways in which one can learn to hack happy hormones in one’s body and decode the way to happiness.

1. Dopamine

According to Dr Krishnan, “A chemical known as dopamine alerts the brain to pay attention and respond to rewards. We experience it when we are in love, listening to wonderful music, or eating chocolate. Dopamine is that.”

It is a kind of neurotransmitter. Your body generates it, and your nervous system makes use of it to transmit messages between nerve cells. This hormone plays a major role in helping us feel pleasure. It is also responsible for a human’s ability to plan and think. It helps you achieve focus, and find interest in things.

You can increase dopamine by:

• Listening to some good music.
• You can treat yourself to some sweets.
• Have a restful night’s sleep.
• Tick off something from your checklist, or finish off a little assignment.

2. Endorphins

“Your body naturally produces feel-good hormones called endorphins. When you engage in enjoyable activities like running, watching a hilarious movie, or listening to music, they are released. You feel serene and at ease after consuming these proteins, which also elevate your mood,” explains Dr Krishnan.

They are also known as natural pain relievers for the body. These chemicals are released in the body during pleasurable activities and also during painful experiences like when you twist your ankle.

Endorphins can be induced by:

• Running
• Using a diffuser to burn scented oil. Scents have been known to enhance mood and feel-good
• Eating dark chocolate
• Watching comedy movies or series
• Having sex often with your partner.

Also read: The ‘happy hormone’ might be the reason behind your weight gain

3. Oxytocin

The hormone oxytocin is sometimes also referred to as the “bliss hormone” or the “love hormone”. The bloodstream receives it once the hypothalamus releases it. The pituitary gland receives the hormone and releases it into the body.

You can activate oxytocin by:

• Pet a dog or a cat
• Give a hug to someone
• Make food for a loved one
• Clench hands

The bottom line

You can indulge in a daily routine that includes a mix of activities that help you release these happy hormones in your body. Eventually, you will naturally start feeling more positive and live a more blissful life.