The Body’s Chemicals of Happiness

TBD

Serotonin
Mood stabilizer

– Meditation, mindfulness
– Praying
– Sun exposure
– Sitting or walking in nature
– Listening to relaxing music
– Swimming
– Relaxing activities, e.g. mandala painting, creating crafts
Endorphin
Pain relief, euphoria

– Vigorous physical exercise
– Laughter, watching comedy
– Dark chocolate
Dopamine
Reward chemical: satisfaction, pleasure, motivation

– Eating
– Self-care activity
– Completing a task
– Celebrating little wins
– Achieving goals
Oxytocin
Love hormone, social bonding

– Giving compliments
– Doing something nice for someone
– Playing with a cat, dog, baby
– Holding hands
– Getting and giving a massage
– Physical affection, hugging, caressing, cuddling
– Satisfying sex
Melatonin
Sleep hormone

– Melatonin supplement
– Dim light before sleep
– Complete darkness during sleep
– Reducing screen time
– Sun exposure during the day
– Relaxing activities

TBD Add: Which foods, herbs, supplements contribute to each.