One way in which we can achieve happiness comes from solving problems, I discuss this in my book “live to inspire”.

However it is also worth mentioning the hormones that are associated with feelings of euphoria. Where they come from and what they do.

There are 4 key hormones commonly associated with happiness and each work at a different time or situation, as you might expect
The 4 hormones are; dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin.

Dopamine
– aka the reward chemical.
It is produced in the hypothalamus of the brain.
For example. You are walking down the street and you see someone in front of you drops their wallet, you instinctively pick it up and call after the to give bit back. This act will produce dopamine spike for you, the person receiving the wallet AND anyone else who witnesses the act.

Key point – BE KIND TO PEOPLE, it will make you happy

Serotonin
– aka mood stabiliser.
It is produced in the hypothalamus of the brain. This hormone impacts your entire body. It enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other. Serotonin also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion. Sensitive to diet more than anything else, 90% stored in the gut.
How good is your gut health? Maybe it’s time to review not only what you eat but also when. If you suffer from stomach ulcers, poor diet or are lacking nutrients.
Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression, and increased serotonin levels brought on by medication are thought to decrease arousal.

KEY POINT – find a balance in diet and take steps, where possible to reduce stress.

Endorphins
– aka the pain killer.
Ever had that feeling after some form of exercise where you feel amazing, happy, buzzing, can get loads more done….
They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. Since endorphins act on receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being. The more endorphins the better…..? Once you get used to an endorphin spike it can become quite addictive. So the danger is that you will push yourself more and harder to get the same spike as your body begins to adapt to the levels you produce.

KEY POINT – exercise can produce endorphins and provide multiple physical and mental health benefits.

Oxytocin
– aka the love hormone
A hormone that acts on the organs in our body (including the breast and uterus). It is produce in the brain with the function of controlling key aspects of the reproductive system, including childbirth and lactation, and aspects of human behaviour. As a result women typically have higher concentrations of oxytocin than men.
petting a dog has been shown to release it.
Cortisol levels can also inhibit lactation and have an inpact on child brain development while in the womb.
Cortisol is a hormone that closely relates to oxytocin and stress levels. High cortisol levels over a prolonged time can also cause lack of sex drive and, in women, periods can become irregular, less frequent or stop altogether which can be linked with the female triad.

KEY POINT – rest easy and have fun. Less stress, where possible!