A Healthy Dose...

 Are you getting your daily dose of happiness?

I'm not talking about all the 'things' we think make us happy...Are you getting your daily dose of 

Dopamine

Oxytocin

Serotonin

Endorphins

These are the 'happy' hormones, and this year, maybe more than ever, we need to focus on our need for these hormones to be in balance.  When we are deficient, we struggle. 

First, let's talk about why we need these chemicals and hormones and what they do for us each day. 

Dopamine, is the chemical that helps us regulate our body movement and influences our mood and motivation. 

Oxytocin, is commonly known as the hormone of love and stability.  Oxytocin is typically maintained well by the body but sometimes you can feel a lack.  It's a hormone that connects us to others and allows us to feel safe and secure.  

Serotonin is one we are all familiar with.   Serotonin is a chemical that enables the brain, cells and nervous system to communicate with one another.  It also helps us with the rest and digest process.  Sleeping is central to our best health, so serotonin is very important. 

Endorphins.  Did you know that endorphins are the body's natural pain killer?

Let's break it down and see how we feel when we are deficient and how to fix it. 

• Dopamine Deficiency- low energy and fatigue, feelings of anxiousness and hopelessness, mood swings, and procrastination.  
• Oxytocin Deficiency- feeling stressed, no motivation, feelings of loneliness, disconnection, anxiety and insomnia.
• Serotonin- Overly sensitive, anxiety and panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, insomnia.
• Endorphins- An increase in aches and pains, anxiety, depression, impulsiveness. 

 Of course, any one of these symptoms could relate to any number of health problems but it is worth looking at with the way life has changed this year.  High stress and poor diets take their toll and this year has created a cycle of stress and food habits that aren't ideal.  In the next post, we will talk about how we can help to increase or balance these hormones.   

Remember, if you are struggling to find a content and happy place in your life, you may need to seek medical attention.  A good attitude and natural techniques can only go so far.  Sometimes, you need a little more to quiet the chemistry...so, use wisdom in all things!