10 Ways to Hack Your Happy Brain Chemicals
The way you experience life depends on the chemicals in your brain. Happiness,
sadness, anger, fear - all of this can be attributed to the science of happiness and you have a pretty good idea of what happiness looks like in your brain these days. Rather than being in the passenger seat of this process, science has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you can take control of your brain and hack into your happy neurochemicals.
Happiness can be found in the mundane and seemingly insignificant things you do every day. These give your brain a boost of feel-good chemicals and keep them flowing. Your brain is a positive feedback system, which means being happy often leads to more happiness. Usually, all it takes is a small adjustment in attitude to make your brain feel good or start an upward cycle. What works for one person may not work for another, but there are many small things you can do. Try giving your brain a more positive bias today.Whether you're depressed, anxious, or just going through one of those crisis moments, there are simple steps backed by neuroscience that you can take right now to start your brain on a more positive path.
Giving or Receiving a Hug
A long hug releases the neurotransmitter oxytocin, the bonding hormone that calms the amygdala, the fear alarm, and keeps you feeling warm and comfortable. Make an effort to go out at lunchtime, go for a walk on a sunny day, or take a break and get out in the sun.
Remember Some Happy Memories
Just the thought of happy times increases the levels of serotonin in your brain, according to research. Serotonin is necessary for the highest functioning of your prefrontal cortex, the executive branch that controls self-reflection and your emotions, helping you to overcome old instinctual patterns. Try to imagine a happy moment in detail, or better yet, write it down.
Get Out in The Sun
Sunlight also promotes the release of melatonin, which helps you sleep better at night. on paperStudies have shown that processing emotions through language results in less amygdala activity, which helps make you feel less stressed. A calmer amygdala means a happier and less anxious person.
Splash cold water on your face
Seriously. Find a sink, fill your hands with cold water and rinse your face. This slows your heart rate by indirectly stimulating your vagus nerve, which regulates a variety of vital bodily functions, including your heartbeat and the muscles used for breathing. The vagus nerve also controls chemical levels in the digestive system, which greatly affects mood and health.It's a simple thing and really improves your mood.
Smile
Most people think that we smile because we're happy, but it works the other way around too. You can feel happier when you smile. make it. Your face isn't just a showcase for your inner feelings, it's an equal partner in the emotional process. Laughter works for the same reasons it makes you smile. something funny that makes you laugh can make you happier. In your brain, there's not much difference between fake laughter and real laughter, and before you know it, provoked laughter can often lead to reality.
Spend time with a pet
Just stroking your pet or even someone else’s can increase the oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine in your brain.Several studies have shown that having a pet can reduce depression, encourage healthier habits, and increase feelings of connectedness. One Japanese study determined that playing with a dog with which you have a bond increases oxytocin levels.
Be Around Other People
If you start to feel your mood slipping go somewhere around other people, like a coffee shop, book store, or break room.You don’t even have to interact with them, just being in the same physical space does the trick.Chatting or chilling with a friend is even more beneficial.If you don’t feel like talking, try doing an activity with a friend where you won’t feel forced to talk.Social interaction causes your brain to secrete oxytocin that supports the serotonin system, giving you get the benefits of both feel good chemicals.
Diaphragm Breathing Long
Deep breaths into your stomach will slow your heart rate and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which will calm down. Place your hand on your diaphragm, the center of your abdomen a few inches below your lungs, and breathe in slowly and deeply. Count to six and move your hand in and out with each inhalation and exhalation. Once you get the hang of it, you can practice diaphragmatic breathing anywhere without using your hand.