HAPPY HORMONES AND HOW TO BOOST THEM
Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins are known as the ‘happy hormones’, they play a key role in promoting a happy mood and positive feelings. Having a greater understanding of these hormones and their impact on your mental health, can help you make positive steps to boosting them.
Scroll down to find out more! Happy Hormones
Dopamine
Dopamine, otherwise known as the ‘feel good hormone’ is part of the brains reward system. It is important for focus and concentration and it released after your brain achieves a goal. The more regularly you achieve a goal, the stronger the hit of dopamine. The key, set yourself daily achievable goals.
Other ways to boost dopamine include:
Listen to music, we recommend listening to Jenny’s Happy Heart Playlist.
Try something new, head to the Online Studio and try a new class. Are you someone that always chooses a yoga flow, today why don’t you try one of our pilates or fitness classes.
2. Serotonin
Serotonin is essential for mood, digestion, sleep, brain function, and circadian rhythm. Simply step outside in the sunlight for a cheeky boost. However, to really support production you need to have a healthy gut (with 90% of your serotonin produced here).
Other ways to boost serotonin include:
Do a workout, benefit from Hannah’s energy and try her Upper Body Strength Workout.
Find a quiet spot and meditate, we recommend Jenny’s ‘Choose Joy’ meditation.
Prepare a healthy meal (and for an extra boost share it with a friend or loved one). You can’t eat serotonin, but you can boost it by adding more prebiotic foods to your diet and foods that naturally contain tryptophan (the essential amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin). Evelyn’s Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Orzo will give you a prebiotic boost (with mushroom, pasta and garlic) and her Hearty Quinoa Stew will increase tryptophan levels (with the quinoa)
3. Oxytocin
Oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’, promotes bonding and trust and helps to regulate stress responses and calm the nervous system. Have a cuddle for a natural boost.
Other ways to boost oxytocin include:
Inviting friends over and sharing food. Remember all our recipes this month are simply one-pot dishes, ideal for stress free hosting.
Stroking a pet or a friends pet!
Have a date night, enjoy dinner around a table, cuddle up on the sofa and have a night free of screen time.
4. Endorphins
Endorphins are a natural pain reliever, and regulate the fight to flight instinct. They are often associated with a ‘runners high’. Challenge yourself on a run or a workout, to find that sweet rush of endorphins.
Other ways to boost endorphins include:
Enjoy some dark chocolate, you don’t have to tell us twice!
Try Hannah’s 20 minute Morning Endorphin Boost Workout. Remember it’s important to challenge yourself, this isn’t about going slow and steady to maximise the boost.
Have a laugh with a friend
The take-home
Make simple changes to your give your happy hormones a boost. Helping to improve mood and reduce stress, and therefore having a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
