THOUGHTS AND COMMENTARY
A Book Excerpt From
The Road to Neuroplasticity and Change to Heal Trauma, Improve Cognitive Capacity and Maximize Performance
ABOUT THE BOOK
SEEKING HAPPINESS
See Also:
Thoughts and Awareness of Self
Anatomy Of the Self: Part 1 ~ Part 2 ~ Glossary
Your Memory Holds the Secrets
The Power of Positive Thought - Neuroplasticity
Practice Positive Self Affirmations Thoughts, Perceptions and Delusions Complexity of Human Emotion
Thoughts and Awareness of Self
Anatomy Of the Self: Part 1 ~ Part 2 ~ Glossary
Your Memory Holds the Secrets
The Power of Positive Thought - Neuroplasticity
Practice Positive Self Affirmations Thoughts, Perceptions and Delusions Complexity of Human Emotion
Most of us could be a little happier and some of us could use a lot more happiness. It is the one emotion we all seek and we try all sorts of things to get there - especially medication or even alcohol and illicit drugs. But what if we could increase happiness naturally? You can. Read on.
There are 4 chemical messengers called neurotransmitters and they are responsible for inducing and maintaining the state of happiness. They influence your emotions and moods and the effects can bring on happiness and sometimes even euphoria. They flood your body with all the good feelings that we associate with happiness. These four players are known as TEAM DOSE - dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Let’s examine each one.
DOPAMINE
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, arousal, and stimulation. Dopamine motivates us to evaluate our wants and needs and take action toward meeting them. Remember what it felt like when you got that new job or got married and had babies? It gives off a surge of pleasure when we achieve our goals. When you have low Dopamine levels you can expect to battle procrastination, self-doubt, and a lack of enthusiasm.
There are some easy ways for producing Dopamine.
Achieving your goals is one way of ensuring a continual flow of dopamine is by creating new goals before achieving the current one. Once you meet your goal and present your work you can expect to get a surge of Dopamine simply from the praise your boss gives you. As a result future motivation and productivity levels increase.
Positivity. Dopamine is also linked to positive behavior reinforcement, and it's responsible for that satisfied feeling you get when you complete something. By keeping a small, attainable to-do list, you'll release a rush of dopamine each time you check something off.
Exercise is a natural contributor of Dopamine. The Hippocampus establishes a connection between exercise and your feelings of rejuvenation, confidence, and pleasure. Once you start exercising and the endorphins kick in, your body starts to feel good. Your energy levels shoot up and your mood is elevated.
Meditation has been shown to increase the release of dopamine. It can relieve stress and create feelings of inner peace. Meditation is the practice of relaxed and focused contemplation. It is often accompanied by breathing exercises.
Trying new things is another natural way to increase your dopamine. By seeking out new experiences as simple as starting a new hobby or cooking with a new recipe you will be rewarded with Dopamine. The less familiar you are with the new activity, the more likely your brain will produce more dopamine.
Tyrosine (one of the 22 essential amino acids used for the creation of proteins) is the most important chemical for the production of dopamine.It also has the potential to elevate nor-epinephrine levels. In order to raise its levels in the body, you should consume green tea, watermelon, almonds, bananas, avocados, and dark chocolate.
Creativity will do it too. The levels of dopamine in the brain are elevated with any creative activity.You can try dancing, singing, writing, sculpturing, painting, or drawing. The ideas for creativity are endless.
OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that is generated inside the hypothalamus gland of the brain and helps in the nerve functioning inside the brain. It is often referred to as the love hormone. It is known to impact our well-being, happiness, generosity, and compassion. It’s produced during orgasm, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Combat stress. If you deal with a lot of stress, counter that with Oxytocin. The rush of Oxytocin prevents cortisol production which aids in reducing stress and anxiety. It can also strengthen your immune system.
Bonding. Oxytocin creates intimacy, trust, and builds healthy relationships. It's released by men and women during orgasm, and by mothers during childbirth and breastfeeding. The cultivation of oxytocin is essential for creating strong bonds and improved social interactions.
Hugging helps! Often referred to as the cuddle hormone, a simple way to keep oxytocin flowing is by giving someone a hug. Touch relieves cardiovascular stress and improves the immune system. Aim to hug someone (especially kids!) at least 8 times a day.
Encouragement. Oxytocin is released in higher amounts whenever words of appreciation or encouragement are spoken directing towards a person. Compassion and care are two such traits that stimulate the production of oxytocin inside the body. Any kind act for the well being of a person or the society will do it.
Exercise: By doing some mild yoga,aerobics, or taking a brisk walk or hike will stimulate the brain to release more amounts of oxytocin.
Giving to others. The act of giving is very useful for increasing the oxytocin levels. Giving can be lending out your time, donating money or goods, or helping a charity. Volunteering is a great way to produce oxytocin and it also enhances the bonding between two or more people.
Guided meditation, yoga, or deep breathing stimulates the secretion of oxytocin and stimulates the euphoric buzz associated with its release. Even taking just 10 minutes to quiet your mind in the morning can help lessen any anxiety, and leave you feeling good throughout the day.
Prayer and meditation. Oxytocin increases when you are not under the fight or flight mode. Prayer and meditation allow the mind to detach from stress. It lowers blood pressure and allows the body to feel balanced.
Crying. Studies have shown that suppressing your emotions lowers oxytocin levels. Withholding your feelings and not dealing with them causes stress and other physical issues in the body. The release of tears allows the body to return to a state of calmness.
Visualization. Just thinking about someone you love can release oxytocin. Spend a few minutes visualizing a fond memory you've experienced with your partner or thinking about what you love and appreciate about them. Go a bit further by making a list of what you're grateful forabout them.
Gazing at your love. Releasing oxytocin by gazing in the eyes of your love causes a flood of feelings like empathy, compassion, bonding, love, euphoria, openness, well-being, and vulnerability. It also surges when you feel deeply understood by your partner.
SEROTONIN
You might recognize this one because SSRI antidepressants affect it. Serotonin is the happiness chemical that has an impact on your mood, anxiety, focus, and interpersonal interactions. Balanced serotonin levels lead to a happy, optimistic, emotionally stable individual. Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan which sends signals between your nerve cells.
Serotonin flows easily when you feel significant or important and less so when you are experiencing loneliness or depression. Most antidepressants focus on the production of serotonin.
Try these ideas for increasing serotonin naturally.
Reflecting on past significant achievements allows the brain to re-live the experience. Our brain can’t tell the difference between what's real and imagined, so it will produce serotonin in both cases. This is why gratitude practices are popular. They remind us that we are valued and have much to offer in life. If you need a serotonin boost during a stressful day, take a few moments to reflect on a past achievements and victories.
Looking at old photos that remind you of happy events in your life or of the times in which you felt confident, successful, or significant can create an immediate increase in serotonin levels.
Get in the sun. Researchers have found as little as five minutes outdoors in a natural setting can improve mood, increase motivation, and boost self-esteem. The amount of time spent in sunlight correlates with serotonin and dopamine synthesis.
Try Omega-3 fatty acids to help boost serotonin levels. They help serotonin trigger nerve cell receptors making transport easy. Many studies have shown that omega-3s help reduce depressive symptoms. You can find omega-3s in cold-water fish like salmon.
Hit the spa. Massage therapy can help boost your levels of serotoninand increase the levels of dopamine. The massage also decreases the stress hormone cortisol leaving you feeling light and euphoric.
ENDORPHINS
Endorphins are the mood boosters that increase energy levels and your overall mood. They are also known as the body's "natural opiod.” They give you a high - especially with competitive activity or sex.
Try these ideas for increasing endorphin levels naturally.
Exercise is an easy way to get a shot of endorphins. The phenomenon of a "second wind" or the euphoric "runners high" are the result of endorphins. When you are in a physically demanding activity your body is pumped full of Endorphins. They also contribute to pain control from injuries. Another major benefit is improved sleep which explains why we sleep better after exercising.
Laughter is one of the easiest ways to induce endorphin release. Even the anticipation and expectation of laugher can increase levels of endorphins. Find reasons to laugh out loud during the day so you can trigger a continuous flow.
See your Chiropractor. The upper cervical spine is very important for endorphin production. Having a subluxation (a spinal misalignment that interferes with the nerve impulses) then you will experience low levels of endorphins. A trained chiropractor can help reduce the subluxation to improve endorphin production.
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate bursts of endorphins which is why the needles don’t cause pain to the individual. The endorphin release from acupuncture is so good that many people opt to use it instead of other anesthetics for surgeries.
Pain control. Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress and help to alleviate anxiety and depression. In terms of pain control it responds in a similar manner as morphine does by acting as an analgesic and sedative. These two actions work to diminish our overall perception of pain.
Sense of Taste and Smell. Finally there are two simple and easy ones. Try inhaling the scents of vanilla and lavender for a quick boost. And then sit back and enjoy some dark chocolate.
GET OPTIMUM LEVELS OF DOSE - AND BE HAPPIER
Try these ideas to help stimulate the greatest feeling you could ever have - true happiness. Once you achieve happiness you have a new outlook on life and you can do just about anything to have the best quality of life and future.
There are 4 chemical messengers called neurotransmitters and they are responsible for inducing and maintaining the state of happiness. They influence your emotions and moods and the effects can bring on happiness and sometimes even euphoria. They flood your body with all the good feelings that we associate with happiness. These four players are known as TEAM DOSE - dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. Let’s examine each one.
DOPAMINE
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, arousal, and stimulation. Dopamine motivates us to evaluate our wants and needs and take action toward meeting them. Remember what it felt like when you got that new job or got married and had babies? It gives off a surge of pleasure when we achieve our goals. When you have low Dopamine levels you can expect to battle procrastination, self-doubt, and a lack of enthusiasm.
There are some easy ways for producing Dopamine.
Achieving your goals is one way of ensuring a continual flow of dopamine is by creating new goals before achieving the current one. Once you meet your goal and present your work you can expect to get a surge of Dopamine simply from the praise your boss gives you. As a result future motivation and productivity levels increase.
Positivity. Dopamine is also linked to positive behavior reinforcement, and it's responsible for that satisfied feeling you get when you complete something. By keeping a small, attainable to-do list, you'll release a rush of dopamine each time you check something off.
Exercise is a natural contributor of Dopamine. The Hippocampus establishes a connection between exercise and your feelings of rejuvenation, confidence, and pleasure. Once you start exercising and the endorphins kick in, your body starts to feel good. Your energy levels shoot up and your mood is elevated.
Meditation has been shown to increase the release of dopamine. It can relieve stress and create feelings of inner peace. Meditation is the practice of relaxed and focused contemplation. It is often accompanied by breathing exercises.
Trying new things is another natural way to increase your dopamine. By seeking out new experiences as simple as starting a new hobby or cooking with a new recipe you will be rewarded with Dopamine. The less familiar you are with the new activity, the more likely your brain will produce more dopamine.
Tyrosine (one of the 22 essential amino acids used for the creation of proteins) is the most important chemical for the production of dopamine.It also has the potential to elevate nor-epinephrine levels. In order to raise its levels in the body, you should consume green tea, watermelon, almonds, bananas, avocados, and dark chocolate.
Creativity will do it too. The levels of dopamine in the brain are elevated with any creative activity.You can try dancing, singing, writing, sculpturing, painting, or drawing. The ideas for creativity are endless.
OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that is generated inside the hypothalamus gland of the brain and helps in the nerve functioning inside the brain. It is often referred to as the love hormone. It is known to impact our well-being, happiness, generosity, and compassion. It’s produced during orgasm, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Combat stress. If you deal with a lot of stress, counter that with Oxytocin. The rush of Oxytocin prevents cortisol production which aids in reducing stress and anxiety. It can also strengthen your immune system.
Bonding. Oxytocin creates intimacy, trust, and builds healthy relationships. It's released by men and women during orgasm, and by mothers during childbirth and breastfeeding. The cultivation of oxytocin is essential for creating strong bonds and improved social interactions.
Hugging helps! Often referred to as the cuddle hormone, a simple way to keep oxytocin flowing is by giving someone a hug. Touch relieves cardiovascular stress and improves the immune system. Aim to hug someone (especially kids!) at least 8 times a day.
Encouragement. Oxytocin is released in higher amounts whenever words of appreciation or encouragement are spoken directing towards a person. Compassion and care are two such traits that stimulate the production of oxytocin inside the body. Any kind act for the well being of a person or the society will do it.
Exercise: By doing some mild yoga,aerobics, or taking a brisk walk or hike will stimulate the brain to release more amounts of oxytocin.
Giving to others. The act of giving is very useful for increasing the oxytocin levels. Giving can be lending out your time, donating money or goods, or helping a charity. Volunteering is a great way to produce oxytocin and it also enhances the bonding between two or more people.
Guided meditation, yoga, or deep breathing stimulates the secretion of oxytocin and stimulates the euphoric buzz associated with its release. Even taking just 10 minutes to quiet your mind in the morning can help lessen any anxiety, and leave you feeling good throughout the day.
Prayer and meditation. Oxytocin increases when you are not under the fight or flight mode. Prayer and meditation allow the mind to detach from stress. It lowers blood pressure and allows the body to feel balanced.
Crying. Studies have shown that suppressing your emotions lowers oxytocin levels. Withholding your feelings and not dealing with them causes stress and other physical issues in the body. The release of tears allows the body to return to a state of calmness.
Visualization. Just thinking about someone you love can release oxytocin. Spend a few minutes visualizing a fond memory you've experienced with your partner or thinking about what you love and appreciate about them. Go a bit further by making a list of what you're grateful forabout them.
Gazing at your love. Releasing oxytocin by gazing in the eyes of your love causes a flood of feelings like empathy, compassion, bonding, love, euphoria, openness, well-being, and vulnerability. It also surges when you feel deeply understood by your partner.
SEROTONIN
You might recognize this one because SSRI antidepressants affect it. Serotonin is the happiness chemical that has an impact on your mood, anxiety, focus, and interpersonal interactions. Balanced serotonin levels lead to a happy, optimistic, emotionally stable individual. Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan which sends signals between your nerve cells.
Serotonin flows easily when you feel significant or important and less so when you are experiencing loneliness or depression. Most antidepressants focus on the production of serotonin.
Try these ideas for increasing serotonin naturally.
Reflecting on past significant achievements allows the brain to re-live the experience. Our brain can’t tell the difference between what's real and imagined, so it will produce serotonin in both cases. This is why gratitude practices are popular. They remind us that we are valued and have much to offer in life. If you need a serotonin boost during a stressful day, take a few moments to reflect on a past achievements and victories.
Looking at old photos that remind you of happy events in your life or of the times in which you felt confident, successful, or significant can create an immediate increase in serotonin levels.
Get in the sun. Researchers have found as little as five minutes outdoors in a natural setting can improve mood, increase motivation, and boost self-esteem. The amount of time spent in sunlight correlates with serotonin and dopamine synthesis.
Try Omega-3 fatty acids to help boost serotonin levels. They help serotonin trigger nerve cell receptors making transport easy. Many studies have shown that omega-3s help reduce depressive symptoms. You can find omega-3s in cold-water fish like salmon.
Hit the spa. Massage therapy can help boost your levels of serotoninand increase the levels of dopamine. The massage also decreases the stress hormone cortisol leaving you feeling light and euphoric.
ENDORPHINS
Endorphins are the mood boosters that increase energy levels and your overall mood. They are also known as the body's "natural opiod.” They give you a high - especially with competitive activity or sex.
Try these ideas for increasing endorphin levels naturally.
Exercise is an easy way to get a shot of endorphins. The phenomenon of a "second wind" or the euphoric "runners high" are the result of endorphins. When you are in a physically demanding activity your body is pumped full of Endorphins. They also contribute to pain control from injuries. Another major benefit is improved sleep which explains why we sleep better after exercising.
Laughter is one of the easiest ways to induce endorphin release. Even the anticipation and expectation of laugher can increase levels of endorphins. Find reasons to laugh out loud during the day so you can trigger a continuous flow.
See your Chiropractor. The upper cervical spine is very important for endorphin production. Having a subluxation (a spinal misalignment that interferes with the nerve impulses) then you will experience low levels of endorphins. A trained chiropractor can help reduce the subluxation to improve endorphin production.
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate bursts of endorphins which is why the needles don’t cause pain to the individual. The endorphin release from acupuncture is so good that many people opt to use it instead of other anesthetics for surgeries.
Pain control. Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress and help to alleviate anxiety and depression. In terms of pain control it responds in a similar manner as morphine does by acting as an analgesic and sedative. These two actions work to diminish our overall perception of pain.
Sense of Taste and Smell. Finally there are two simple and easy ones. Try inhaling the scents of vanilla and lavender for a quick boost. And then sit back and enjoy some dark chocolate.
GET OPTIMUM LEVELS OF DOSE - AND BE HAPPIER
Try these ideas to help stimulate the greatest feeling you could ever have - true happiness. Once you achieve happiness you have a new outlook on life and you can do just about anything to have the best quality of life and future.
SEEKING HAPPINESS AND HOW OUR BRAIN HELPS
STARLIGHT POETRY BY KAI
View Me on Twitter @kairosoflife
See Creativity Chaos - a Creativity Blog by Kai
About | Reprints & Copyrights | Home
© 2019-2020 Copyright Starlight Poetry
VIEW FULL SITE DIRECTORY
View Me on Twitter @kairosoflife
See Creativity Chaos - a Creativity Blog by Kai
About | Reprints & Copyrights | Home
© 2019-2020 Copyright Starlight Poetry
VIEW FULL SITE DIRECTORY