Happy Hormones

One thing i find fascinating is the mechanism that regulates our mood. Mood refers to a state of the mind at a certain time for example happiness, sadness, gloom, excited etc.

Our body has mood regulators in the form of hormones which determine our mood at a particular time. Hormones are chemicals that the body produces for specific functions. When we feel unhappy and stressed they are certain hormones that are responsible for unhappiness. Similarly there are also happy hormones or happy juices. These enhance our happiness and reduce stress. These are Oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin and Dopamine. These four juices work in a different way from each other. They also have different roles and characteristics.

DOPAMINE

Dopamine is also known as the"feel good " hormone. It is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that relays information between nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the body .As a neuro hormone it is produced by the hypothalamus in the brain. Dopamine has a number of functions which include Movement, Memory,Pleasurable reward and motivation, Behavior and cognition,Attention,Sleep and arousal,Mood, and Learning.

Dopamine has been said to function based on motivation and reward. When we do an activity that is pleasurable we feel motivated this stimulates the secretion of Dopamine. As Dopamine is released we feel good and motivated to do more of the pleasurable activity. However this can also lead to addiction.

When we have balanced levels of Dopamine we will feel happy, motivated, alert and focused. On the other hand low levels of the hormone results in poor memory, fatigue, sadness,mood swings, poor concentration among others. There is also a relationship between levels of Dopamine and mental disorders like schizophrenia, Mania, ADHD , Parkinsons and Addictions. In order to have healthy Dopamine levels we need to engage more in activities that give us pleasure however moderation is essential.

ENDORPHINS

Endorphins function as pain killers. They are in actual fact natural pain killers. They get their name from a combination of two words "endogenous " and "morphine ". Most of us are aware of the function of morphine which is to ease pain . When we are hurt or are experiencing pain , nerves communicate with the brain and the brain releases Endorphins.

Endorphins can be naturally stimulated by engaging in activity that rewards like eating, massage, intimacy, dancing and such activities. It should be noted that Endorphins might have similarities with Dopamine however their function is different.

Deficiency of Endorphins can result in a number of negative symptoms such as Anxiety , depression, addiction, sleep disorders among many others.

SEROTONIN

Like Dopamine, Serotonin also doubles as a neurotransmitter. Its key functions include learning, memory, happiness as well as regulating body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior and hunger. It is a key hormone which is mostly found in the gut .

Serotonin has been known to be a mood stabilizer. It creates a feeling of calmness and emotional stability. Lack of Serotonin may result in mood disorders, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, digestive disorders , suicide behavior, OCD, phobia and many other issues. It is therefore important to ensure good production of Serotonin, this can be done by exercising, and sunbathing moderately.

OXYTOCIN

"The love hormone " as it is commonly known , Oxytocin is responsible for enhancing happiness through bonding. It is produced in the hypothalamus. Oxytocin has been proven to be responsible for smooth labor during child birth. After childbirth it helps in lactation that is production of milk for the baby.

Among its many functions Oxytocin helps in regulating sleep and moods. It promotes overall wellness and mental stability. It is enhanced mostly by intimate actions like a touch ,hugging, cuddling, sexual activity among many others.

CONCLUSION

Having discussed briefly about hormones that regulates mood and produce positive emotions, it is apparent that we can be deliberate in determining our mood.

An exception is in cases where the body is unable to produce the particular hormones. In such cases medication is usually given for example Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which help boost Serotonin levels and control Depression. Similarly in the case of Dopamine the doctor can prescribe antidepressants and dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

Mood has a huge impact on our total wellness hence the importance of acquiring knowledge on how we can harness the faculties that regulate mood.

Hope you gained something from thos article. Remember to take good care of yourself and your mental health .

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