Healthy ways to hack your happiness chemicals

Humankind is experiencing a season (you can even call it an epidemic) of loneliness, disconnect and poor mental health worldwide. Many of us have fallen out of our natural rhythms and do not generally have access to the things that brought us joy to the same extent as we did before. If you find yourself feeling low, stuck, and uninspired, chances are you need a boost of the natural chemicals found in the brain (and other parts of the body) to lift your mood.

Dopamine – The Reward Chemical

If you feel stuck, unfulfilled, and listless chances are you need a boost of dopamine.

• Complete a task you’ve been putting off. Clean a room or your garage, do your filing or re-organize your closet.
• Do a self-care activity. Take a long bath, do a YouTube stretching sequence, have your nails done (or do them yourself), go for a haircut.
• For an entire day only have good, nutritious food – no junk food.
• Celebrate a small victory. Identify any progress you’ve made over the last week or a promise you’ve kept to yourself and give yourself a pat on the back.

 Oxytocin – The Love Hormone

Feeling lonely or disconnected? You probably need a good dose of oxytocin.

• Play with a dog, somebody else’s dog.
• Play with your kids or someone’s kids (but ask first).
• Hold hands with your partner.
• Hug a family member (aim for at least 20 seconds).
• Have a real conversation while looking the other person in the eyes.
• Give a heartfelt compliment.
• Do something nice for someone, just because you can.

​Serotonin – The Mood Stabilizer

If you feel a drop in mood, look for a way to enhance your serotonin levels.

• Pay attention to your posture. Serotonin levels are enhanced when we stand up straight.
• Do a quick meditation or breathing exercise (there are many apps that make this easy).
• Get some sun while the weather is still good.
• Go for a run.
• Take a walk outside and notice the nature in your environment (even the weeds coming through the concrete).
• Go for a swim or a bike ride.

Endorphin – The Pain Killer

Feeling sore, tight, stressed or in pain? Activate your natural pain killers.

• Laugh with your friends.
• Go for a massage with essential oils or ask someone to give you a massage.
• Have sex.
• Watch a comedy.
• Enjoy some dark chocolate and red wine.
• Take a hot bath or a sauna.
• Any form of exercise – on your own but preferably in a group.

​The Takeaway

There are many natural, healthy ways to boost your mood and get your mojo back. Isolation, increased societal stressors and overexposure to screens are playing havoc with our vitality levels. It might be time to pay more attention to the basics and find reward in the simple pleasures of life.

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Do you feel stuck?

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Get in touch at hello@purposeworks.co.za for more information on how we can get involved in your environment.

At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.