What are the 4 hormones of happiness?
Brain Chemistry & Your Mood: 4 Hormones That Promote Happiness
- Serotonin: Dubbed the “feel-good hormone,” serotonin plays a key role in staving off anxiety and depression. In fact, the main class of drugs used to treat these conditions — SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) — increase serotonin levels in the brain. Exercise, spending time outdoors and getting a good night’s sleep can help boost serotonin.
- Dopamine: Often called the “happy hormone,” dopamine results in feelings of well-being. A primary driver of the brain’s reward system, it spikes when we experience something pleasurable. Praised on the job? You’ll get a dopamine hit. Falling in love? Your dopamine levels will skyrocket. “Dopamine produces that high we get from food, sex, shopping, pretty much any activity that we find enjoyable,” Dr. Fatima says.
- Endorphins: Most commonly linked with exercise, endorphins are associated with “runner’s high.” “Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to increase endorphins,” Dr. Fatima says. These powerful hormones act as natural pain killers, minimizing discomfort and maximizing pleasure. They’re a key reason why athletes can push past pain during a tough race or big game.
- Oxytocin: Best known for its role in bonding and attachment, oxytocin floods a woman’s system during childbirth and while nursing. But delivering a baby isn’t the only way to get a rush of oxytocin. This “love hormone” also spikes with any sort of intimate touch, including holding hands, cuddling, kissing, massage and sex.