Happiness — it comes from your hormones! Many people don’t realize that hormones play an essential role in moods and emotions. Along with neurotransmitters, hormones act as chemical messengers, triggering various changes in the body. 

There are specific types of hormones that have shown to encourage feelings of happiness, joy, and pleasure. By taking steps to naturally increase these hormones, you can stimulate feel-good vibes from the inside out. 

What Are the Happy Hormones?

There are four main happy hormones in the body, all of which have subtly different effects on your mood.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that mainly functions as a mood stabilizer. It promotes feelings of wellbeing and general happiness within the body. 

Dopamine

Dopamine is a key motivational player in the reward system of the brain. It encourages feelings of pleasure and is also linked to memory, learning, and motor function. 

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is often referred to as the love hormone. It can spur feelings of bonding, empathy, and trust within relationships.

Endorphins 

Endorphins provide natural pain relief within the body. This hormone promotes feelings of happiness and relaxation. 

How To Increase Your Happiness Hormones

Exercise

Do you know about the “runner’s high”? This sensation of happiness after a long run applies to all types of physical activity, so an exercise routine can give you steady endorphins for natural mood-boosting effects. 

Spend time with a loved one

Spending time with someone that you love can increase oxytocin levels, making you feel happier. With a romantic partner, cuddling, kissing, and sex can also boost the production of oxytocin in the body.

Meditate

Meditation can boost dopamine and endorphins in the body. It’s also a powerful tool for stress-relief to help you feel happier and more relaxed. 

Consider herbal supplements

Many herbal supplements have been shown to increase the body’s production of happy hormones for mood-enhancing benefits. One of the experienced, integrative physicians at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine can help determine if natural supplements will complement your lifestyle and enhance your overall wellbeing.