Everyone’s definition of happiness is different. For some, happiness means having mental peace, or having a solid network of friends who embrace you ultimately, or having the freedom to pursue your deepest desires. It is typical to believe that happiness is a goal that must be attained through financial possessions, relationships, or professional standing. On the other hand, happiness is a journey that you may take on your own.
Did you know that 37% of people on the planet are unhappy? That suggests that at least one-third of the individuals you know are dissatisfied with their lives. Are you one of those individuals?
The D.O.S.E. Method of Happiness
If that’s the case, there are a few simple things you can do to boost your happiness. Do you know what happiness chemicals are? These pleasant chemicals are released by your brain, making you feel good. This is called the DOSE Method of Happiness.
Your brain releases happiness chemicals or happy hormones when you feel good. There are four primary substances in the brain that cause happiness:
- Dopamine
- Oxytocin
- Serotonin
- Endorphins
Each molecule serves a purpose, and you feel good when your brain releases one of them.
It’d be fantastic if they all surged at the same time. This, however, is not the case. When the chemical has completed its task, it will turn off, leaving you wanting more.
We can boost our overall happiness by tapping into each of the four happiness hormones if we understand how they work.
Dopamine – how does it work?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, learning, and enjoyment. It motivates you to achieve your objectives, ambitions, and needs.
It’s similar to the sensation of “getting it” after completing a task. Dopamine provides a wave of reinforcing pleasure once you’ve achieved your goals, aspirations, or needs.
Dopamine is the reward chemical; you can have the body secrete Dopamine by doing the following:
- rewarding yourself for some past achievement and mentally patting your back
- achieving tasks and completing goals, even smaller tasks
- eating food at the end of some work, as a hard-earned reward
- taking breaks after some work progress as a reward
- completing self-care activities like exercising, doing some projects, artwork, or doing some hobby projects.
However, due to its addictive nature, dopamine overstimulation can become a severe problem, and it’s linked to the development of undesirable behaviours or addictions.
Dopamine’s benefits are transient since it gives you an immediate pleasure feeling that makes you want more.
Oxytocin – how does it work?
Oxytocin creates a sense of trust and encourages you to form and maintain close connections. Because it aids in bonding, it’s also known as the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone.”
You can secrete Oxytocin by doing the following:
- Physical touch like hugs, pats on the back
- Socializing with friends and family
- Petting cats, dogs, and other domestic pets
- Helping others and seeing their gratitude
This hormone makes you want to stick together with those you “trust,” giving you a sense of security or comfort. It aids your body’s adaptation to a variety of situations.
Serotonin – how does it affect your system?
When you feel significant or essential, serotonin gives you an incredible feeling. It’s the feeling of satisfaction you get when you have social power, loyalty, or position.
It is the result of identifying and seizing opportunities to assert or prevail. This is not confrontational; instead, it is a calm expression of confidence and self-acceptance in the company of others.
Serotonins are the body’s mood stabilizers; you can get them by the following:
- Going outdoors in nature, sunlight
- Mindfulness and meditation
Serotonin is the chemical that drives a leader to succeed and grow. It inspires not just you, but also your peers to do the same. This motivation stems from a desire to not disappoint their leader, parent, or teacher.
Endorphin and its effects
Endorphins produce a short euphoria that helps to disguise physical discomfort. It is a pain and stress response that also helps with anxiety and sadness. Endorphins are released in response to physical pain.
When you obtain a “runners high,” though, you can get a burst of endorphins. Only when you push yourself past your boundaries do you get a runner’s high.
The release of endorphins acts as a natural pain reliever and reduces pain perception.
You can get the body to secrete those hormones by the following:
- Exercising
- Listening to music, watching sitcoms, watching movies,
- Reading jokes and laughing
- Telling situational jokes for everyone to make the situation humorous
Other activities to stay happy
Numerous activities can naturally boost happy hormones. Choose a few activities that you enjoy, either from the list or ones you already do. It’s crucial that you want yourself while doing it; else, it won’t stick. You can try out a few of the suggested things:
- Fulfillment, being content, and gratitude make us happy
- Feeling wanted, feeling appreciated, and recognized makes us happy
- Having a purpose in life and working every day towards that purpose makes us happy
- Physical activities from chores, running, walking, gardening, cleaning, cooking makes us happy.
- Hobbies like photography, videography, art, crafts, etc., make us happy.
- Socializing with friends and family makes us happy.
- Going on trips and vacations makes us happy.
Remember, we’re aiming for long-term happiness, so doing anything once or twice won’t make a difference to your way of life. It can be challenging to enhance your joy when coping with a mental illness, addiction, or trauma.
Consider first increasing your window of tolerance to assist you in coping with any stress, worry, or trauma you may be experiencing. When it comes to raising happy, things get a lot easier.
So what are you waiting for? Board the ship of happiness and sail through your life with ease.
