4 Happiness Hormones That You Need to Know
Posted: July 18, 2024
By: Natasha Cooke, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
What are happiness hormones? Happiness hormones are those that help us reduce anxiety and depression; they boost our mood. There are four hormones commonly referenced as “happiness hormones”: serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. Although these happiness hormones can be harnessed in a variety of ways, below are some easy-to-do, simple examples of things you can try to do yourself!
Happiness Hormones: Serotonin
Serotonin is typically the first hormone people think of in regards to mental health. Aside from getting more sunlight, one simple way to increase this hormone is to eat a well-balanced diet. Certain foods, such as salmon, are thought to help with serotonin in the body. You may have also heard that exercising and spending time outdoors are another way to tap into serotonin. However, you may not have heard that being kind to yourself, such as using “positive self-talk,” and being kind to others also helps to balance our mood and promote feelings of reward and well-being.
Happiness Hormones: Endorphins
Endorphins are what you can think of as the natural painkillers of the body. Some ways to harness endorphins also include spending time in nature and getting the body moving. Think of how you might feel after a fun night of dancing or running a long marathon and getting a “runner’s high.” In addition, meditation and essential oils can also help boost endorphins. Lastly, one of the simplest ways to hack into endorphins is through laughter! No more excuses are needed to watch or rewatch your favorite comedy movies or TV shows.
Why Should I Learn About Happiness Hormones?
What’s the purpose of learning about happiness hormones? Well, at times, we all go through low points. While taking medication for clinical depression or other mood disorders can certainly be advantageous, often, people find that natural remedies and small behavior changes can also make a difference in our mood. For instance, you might have known that even getting 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily can significantly boost one’s mood by increasing serotonin and vitamin D (National Library of Medicine). In other words, simple actions can help us improve our own mental health without having to go to great lengths.Happiness Hormones: Serotonin 
Serotonin is typically the first hormone people think of in regards to mental health. Aside from getting more sunlight, one simple way to increase this hormone is to eat a well-balanced diet. Certain foods, such as salmon, are thought to help with serotonin in the body. You may have also heard that exercising and spending time outdoors are another way to tap into serotonin. However, you may not have heard that being kind to yourself, such as using “positive self-talk,” and being kind to others also helps to balance our mood and promote feelings of reward and well-being.
Happiness Hormones: Dopamine
Dopamine has been dubbed the “reward chemical,” by many. Doing acts of self-care can help us hack into our dopamine. In addition, celebrating small wins and completing tasks such as checking off items on our “to-do” list can increase our dopamine. Also, eating a delicious meal, getting a massage, or listening to inspiring music also all hack into dopamine, AKA, part of our brain’s reward system.Happiness Hormones: Oxytocin
Oxytocin is otherwise known as the “love hormone.” Showing love and affection to others is the one of the best ways to harness oxytocin. Giving your loved one a kiss, a hug or cuddling can certainly induce this hormone. However, the love hormone can also be harnessed by playing or spending time with your pets, friends, or other loved ones. Other ways to increase our oxytocin levels includes listening to music.Happiness Hormones: Endorphins 
Endorphins are what you can think of as the natural painkillers of the body. Some ways to harness endorphins also include spending time in nature and getting the body moving. Think of how you might feel after a fun night of dancing or running a long marathon and getting a “runner’s high.” In addition, meditation and essential oils can also help boost endorphins. Lastly, one of the simplest ways to hack into endorphins is through laughter! No more excuses are needed to watch or rewatch your favorite comedy movies or TV shows.
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If you need more direction to help manage your emotions, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
- Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
- Find ways to thrive through therapy today!