• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Endorphins
• Oxytocin

Serotonin (The Mood Stabilizer)

Serotonin plays a role in the dynamics of pride, loyalty, and status. When we feel a sense of accomplishment or recognition from others, we are experiencing the effects of serotonin.

How to harness it?

• Being kind to others and yourself
• Spending time outdoors
• Exercising
• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Meditating
• Sun exposure

Endorphins (The Body’s Natural Pain Killer)

Endorphins are essentially released in response to pain. They help us push our bodies beyond their comfort levels and persist when we might otherwise want to give up.

How to harness it?

• Laughter exercise
• Essential oils
• Watch a comedy
• Dark chocolate
• Exercising

Dopamine (The Reward Chemical)

This hormone drives your brain’s reward chemical. The release of dopamine gives feelings of well-being and motivates you to seek things you enjoy and do well.

How to harness it?

• It is released when you are doing something pleasurable.
• This could be eating a great meal, listening to inspiring music, getting a massage, or completing a physical exercise workout.

OXYTOCIN (The Love Hormone)

Oxytocin is often called ‘the love hormone’. Extensive research has linked oxytocin release to life satisfaction levels. It appears to play a larger role in women’s physiology and happiness than men’s.  Oxytocin is mainly correlated with a loving touch and close relationships. This hormone provides a multiple hit, by stimulating serotonin and dopamine, while lowering anxiety.

How to harness it?

• Physical touch
• Socializing
• massage
• listening to music