COUPLES THERAPY: CHEMICALS THAT MAKE US HAPPY

When you are happy and have a positive experience, your brain releases happiness chemicals. By understanding how each of these chemicals work, you can trigger the release of one of the chemicals to improve happiness.

Dopamine enables motivation, learning and pleasure. It is released when you create something, such as writing, music, arts or crafts. Meditating or making a to-do list (when you cross off the tasks you increase dopamine levels).

The overstimulation of dopamine can become problematic due to its addictive nature. It is closely tied with developing bad habits or addictions. The effects of dopamine are fleeting due to its instant gratification feeling, which leaves you desiring more.

Dopamine deficiency symptoms include procrastination, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, low energy or fatigue, inability to focus, feeling anxious, feeling hopeless, and mood swings.

Oxytocin motivates you to build and sustain relationships and helps you feel trust. It is released from physical touch, cuddling, hugging and even eye contact. Socializing with friends and family and listening to music will also release oxytocin.

This hormone gives you the desire to stick together with those you trust, which creates a feeling of safety or comfort. Oxytocin can also boost your immune system which makes you more resistant to the addictive qualities of dopamine. Unlike dopamine, oxytocin gives you lasting feeling of calm and safety.

Oxytocin deficiency symptoms include feeling lonely, stressed, lack of motivation, low energy or fatigue, feeling of disconnection in relationships, feeling anxious, and insomnia.

Serotonin helps you experience social power and confidence in accepting yourself. It is released when you get sunshine from outdoors, cold showers and getting a massage. It is the good feeling you get when you feel significant or important. It is the pleasure you get from social power, loyalty, or status.

It is a calm form of confidence and accepting yourself within the people around you. Serotonin is what motivates a leader to excel and grow.

Serotonin deficiency symptoms include low self-esteem, being overly sensitive and emotional, anxiety and panic attacks, mood swings, depression and feeling hopeless, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and insomnia.

Endorphin is a brief euphoria to mask physical pain. It is released from laughing and crying, eating dark chocolate or spicy foods, or creating art or music. However, you also get a release of endorphins when you experience “runners high.” Runners high only occurs when you exceed your limits.

Endorphin deficiency symptoms include anxiety, depression, mood swings, aches and pains, insomnia, and impulsive behavior.