Happiness, everybody wants it. But at times, it can be hard to figure out how to achieve it in life. Do you have to train your mind to be positive all the time? Not quite. A psychologist named Dr. Josheph Cilona says that it’s all about activating the happiness chemicals in our brains. He says that “happiness chemicals are called neurotransmitters that influence your mood, motivation, intimacy, productivity, well-being, trust and connection with others.”
“The neurotransmitters have a huge influence in your overall feelings of well-being, pleasure, and mood. When the levels of those substances in your brain decreased, it will start associated with things like low mood, depression, stress, pain, loneliness, and difficulty feeling motivated.”
But don’t you worry as these chemicals can be boosted using natural habits and activities. You can make yourself happy by doing these 11 simple things.
Eating dark chocolate can boost the production of “feel-good’ chemicals called endorphins. It will lead to feelings of euphoria, which reduce pain and the effects of stress. Consuming chocolate can also increase dopamine levels which are known for being vital in motivation. Be sure to get dark chocolate that is 70 percent cocoa or higher, eat it for about 2-3 times a week, and consume about 1.5 to 2 ounces for the best result.
Even if you’re not a musician, making music, whether it’s tapping drum sounds on your desk, or humming your favorite tune, can help promote the release of endorphins. Meaning that it can improve your positive mood and increase the ability to deal with pain.
Create a checklist for your goals. Each time you achieve something (big or small), dopamine will be released. Having a to-do list can help you to release more dopamine every time you check something off. Plus, you can get more stuff done!
Each photo has its own story. Looking back at it will remind you of your happy memories in life, which can increase your serotonin levels. But, remember that viewing a photo that has negative memories will give you the opposite effect.
Stand up straight or be in any strong positions, even for only 2 minutes, can help in increasing your confidence levels at the same time decrease stress hormones like cortisol. When your level of confidence increased, it will be much easier to love yourself.
Yes, it may seem bizarre, but eating spicy food helps. When you eat something hot, your body would think that the heat is pain and begin to send out a rush of endorphins to block it. It will then give you a rush of happiness, or reduce any pain felt in other parts of the body.
Take a walk
Exposing to the sunlight, greenery, and water can help to increase your serotonin levels. You can get this benefit by walking outside. Try to make it as vigorous as possible and walk for at least 20 minutes.
Do you agree that life is better when you’re laughing? Well, I do agree. Laughing can help to release endorphins. So, if you’re feeling sad, just put on something funny to make your day a whole lot better.
Do you know why so many people fall in love with classic masterpieces? It’s because viewing art that you love will release a surge of dopamine in the brain, hence, increasing the feelings of pleasure.
We all love massages. It doesn’t just make your body feels good, but also help increase the levels of dopamine and lower the level of the stress hormone cortisol.
Working out is a great way to release endorphins as well as boot serotonin and dopamine. But it’s way better working out in a group. It is proven that group workout can increase pain tolerance causes more endorphins to released.