Yogis, sages, wisemen and philosophers have long questioned the human search for happiness \u2013 it purpose, role, how to achieve happiness and even if happiness exists.\u00a0 Well in this post I will examine how the body\u2019s \u201cchemical factory\u201d may provide a series of keys to how and why we experience the state we describe as happiness.<\/p>\n
Happiness is often described as the inner state of joy, lack of worry, contentment or absence of inner agitation.\u00a0 But why is happiness sought and what is the purpose of happiness.\u00a0 The modern world is awash with anxiety, depression and absence of happiness.<\/p>\n
It is argued that our evolutionary biology makes us feel good or happy to reward behaviours that increase our chances of survival.\u00a0 For example the pleasures of food or sex, drive us to indulge in these behaviours.\u00a0 However the development of modern cultures with new technologies\u00a0 have switched off our body\u2019s chemical happiness factories through lack of exercise, poor diet, social isolation, repetitive activities and isolation from nature.\u00a0 Most of the chemicals described below are hormones (chemical messengers), produced by the brain or for the brain.<\/p>\n
Happy Hormones<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Endocannabinoids \u2013\u00a0\u201cThe Bliss Molecule\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Endocannabinoids are self-produced cannabis substances that work on the receptors of the cannabinoid system in the brain.\u00a0\u00a0 Aerobic and endurance activities are said to increase their production, eg the \u201crunner\u2019s high\u201d.\u00a0 Many spices (especially those traditionally used in curries) can stimulate these chemicals and foods rich in omega 3 can also help these \u201cbliss\u201d chemicals<\/p>\n 2. Dopamine \u2013\u00a0 \u201cThe Reward Molecule\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Dopamine is responsible for reward-driven behaviour and pleasure seeking. Every type of reward seeking behaviour that has been studied increases the level of dopamine transmission in the brain. If you want to get a hit of dopamine, set a goal and achieve it.<\/strong><\/p>\n Many addictive drugs act on the dopamine receptors in the brain (especially stimulant drugs like cocaine).\u00a0 Extrovert people often have high levels of dopamine.<\/p>\n Foods that can help include oily fish, plants rich in omega 3 oils, nuts\/seeds, cheese and eggs.\u00a0 Dark green leafy vegetables are also useful.\u00a0\u00a0 These foods help both dopamine and serotonin production.<\/p>\n 3. Oxytocin \u2013\u00a0 \u201cThe Bonding Molecule\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Directly linked to\u00a0human bonding and increasing\u00a0trust\u00a0and loyalty.\u00a0 This hormone can be stimulated by skin to skin contact, affection, love making and other forms of intimacy.\u00a0 In fact any of close personal human contact stimulates this hormone (some studies have shown having a pet and cuddling it produces the same chemicals!).<\/p>\n In a cyber world,\u00a0 we often lose sight of the fact we absolutely need human face to face contact \u2013 digital contact is a very very poor replacement for this.<\/p>\n Foods that have high levels of phyto \u2013 oestrogens may help stimulate oxytocin.<\/p>\n 4. Endorphin: \u2013 \u201cThe Pain-Killing Molecule\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n Endorphins resemble opiates in their chemical structure and have analgesic properties.\u00a0Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus during strenuous physical exertion, sexual intercourse and orgasm \u2013 make these a regular part of your life to bring more happiness into your life.<\/p>\n Spicy foods, dark chocolate and ginseng can all have a positive effects on endorphin levels.<\/p>\n 5. GABA: \u2013 \u201cThe Anti-Anxiety Molecule\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)<\/span> is an inhibitory molecule that slows down the firing of neurones and creates a sense of calmness.\u00a0You can increase GABA naturally by practicing yoga, meditation and relaxation.\u00a0\u00a0Benzodiazepines\u00a0 that work as anti-anxiety drugs\u00a0by increasing GABA.\u00a0\u00a0 Studies show Yoga may increase GABA significantly.\u00a0 Nuts, seeds, good plant oils and oily fish can also increase GABA production.<\/p>\n 6. Serotonin \u2013 \u00a0\u201cThe Confidence Molecule\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Serotonin plays so many different roles in our bodies.\u00a0 High levels bolster self esteem, increase feelings of worthiness and create a sense of belonging. To increase serotonin, challenge yourself regularly and pursue things that reinforce a sense of purpose, meaning and accomplishment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Foods that can help include oily fish, plants rich in omega 3 oils, nuts\/seeds, cheese and eggs.\u00a0 Dark green leafy vegetables are also useful.<\/p>\n Low levels are associated with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCDs and increased pain perception.<\/p>\n A variety of popular anti-depressants are called SSRIs help keep serotonin levels high artificially.<\/p>\n 7. Adrenaline \u2013 \u00a0\u201cThe Energy Molecule\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Adrenaline, technically known as epinephrine, plays a large role in the fight or flight mechanism. The release of epinephrine is exhilarating and creates a surge in energy. Adrenaline causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and works by causing less important blood vessels to constrict and increasing blood flow to larger muscles.<\/p>\n An \u2018adrenaline rush\u2019 comes in times of distress or facing challenging situations. It can be triggered on demand by doing things that terrify you or being thrust into a situation that feels dangerous. You can also create an adrenaline rush by taking short rapid breathes and contracting muscles. This jolt can be healthy in small doses, especially when you need a pick me up.<\/p>\n Taking risks, and doing scary things that force you out of your comfort zone is key to maximising your potential.\u00a0\u00a0 Coffee, tea, citrus juices, chocolate and cocoa can all elevate levels of this hormone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yogis, sages, wisemen and philosophers have long questioned the human search for happiness \u2013 it purpose, role, how to achieve happiness and even if happiness exists.\u00a0 Well in this post I will examine how the body\u2019s \u201cchemical factory\u201d may provide a series of keys to how and why we experience the state we describe as…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-80","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-posts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=80"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81,"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80\/revisions\/81"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=80"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=80"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yoga-liverpool.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=80"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}