28 Nov Happiness & Emotions
Happiness is described in scientific literature as the “presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative emotions” (Ryan & Deci, 2001). In a more broad context – well-being is thought to be made of hedonic and eudaimonic principles – these describe our sense of personal meaning, actualisation and purpose in life, all of which contribute to the sensations of happiness.
What are the chemicals that make us feel happy?
1. OXYTOCIN
The pillow talk, cuddle, cuppa tea, loving touch hormone.
This is by far one of the most comforting chemicals our brains transmit. Oxytocin is released through any form of care and pleasure. It can be released from a foot massage from a loved one, pleasure or even a long, self-soothing hug. This release has been observed extensively amongst breastfeeding and pregnant mothers, where this hormone is produced abundantly. The feelings associated with this hormone are warmth, comfort and that kind of ‘butter-in-the-sun’ melting – it also stimulates serotonin and dopamine, aiding in reducing levels of anxiety.
So how do we stimulate this cuddle chemical?
- hugs
- bonding
- self-love rituals
- playing with pets/ animals in general
- holding hands
- sharing emotional intimacy.
2. DOPAMINE
The driver hormone
Dopamine gives us the ‘get it done’ mentality, seeking the pleasure of reward-driven behaviours. Dopamine hits are easy to achieve – set a goal and do it. Studies have even shown that the simple task of excitedly setting that goal can trigger receptors. These days the navigation comes in on where we get that dopamine from – is it a social media hit or is it doing a yoga class – the choice is always up to the individual but the impact on mental health, wellbeing and actualisation is very different.
So how do we stimulate this cuddle chemical?
- perform acts of kindness
- set goals
- make a plan
- be intentional
- listen to music
- meditate
3. ENDORPHINS
Natures pain-killer and picker-upper
This giddy-like molecule is produced by the Central Nervous System and is best known and experienced when induced during aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Endorphins aid us in dealing with pain which is why it is related to the CNS fight, flight or freeze response. Endorphions are a very ‘yang’ based chemical, based on movement, power and pushing limits.
So how do we stimulate this cuddle chemical?
- exercise (even a 30 minute walk has shown to reduce depression, boost moods and stimulate endorphins)
- laugh – like a lot !
- Cacao!
- dance
- physical intimacy
4. SEROTONIN
The best-known happiness chemical
We all know Serotonin due to it being one of the key chemicals used in anti-depression medications (SSRI’s). Did you know that your gut is the one to thank when it comes to 95% of your body’s natural serotonin production? So when we look at happiness from a Serotonin point of view, instead of looking at the head, look at your gut, your gastrointestinal tract and everything you consume. Ensuring that you eat the foods that support your gut microbiome health is essential when managing mood and keeping a positive mindset.
Stimulate it:
- eat foods high in Tryptophan, such as oats, nuts, seeds, pineapples, eggs etc
- sit in the sun
- go for a massage
- do yoga
More about Emotions
Some of our greatest lessons regarding happiness and mental health are the observance of emotions and what they have to teach us. While it can sometimes seem that emotions are these mysterious and out-of-control experiences that ‘happen’ they are almost always more insightful indicators of what is happening on the subconscious level of our minds. They can show a lot of what is happening concerning our mental health as a whole.
Emotions which are often labelled as ‘negative’ such as anger, envy, frustration etc are wonderful teachers who can identify triggers and unconscious beliefs or thought patterns hindering self-growth and happiness.
Most times, because of the negative associations we formulate around these kinds of emotions, we punish ourselves for feeling them, suppressing and medicating them to go away – however beneath the surface one could be feeling anger due to a triggering event which causes dis-ease in the body, instead of learning the means of dealing with and locating its roots, it is ignored and stored within the body, mind and spirit.
Think of understanding emotions as finding a secret route traced out on a treasure map that shows you the direct link between the trigger/ lived experience and the vast expanse of our consciousness.
In that way, these and all emotions should be celebrated.
So what can these triggering-ly beautiful mirrors teach us about ourselves?
ANGER
Anger surfaces when we feel undervalued or exploited. Anger is the ‘do’ emotion; it asks you to take action to assert the welfare of yourself and others. It can often be a driving force towards becoming more helpful. When experiencing this emotion, ask yourself what steps can be taken.
FEAR & ANXIETY
Fight, flight or freeze – that is the question.
Fear is one of those emotions and experiences in life when it becomes obvious that we are very much still animals – like an impala ready to run in the face of a lion our adrenaline pumps, heart races and vision narrows. But, here’s the shocker, most of the time, there isn’t a lion; it’s just someone from a call centre trying to sell you a new contract or a balloon popping at a children’s birthday party. Fear is our survival emotion. Most of our anxieties and fears are formulated in childhood – the idea is to locate where these experiences originate from – on a cultural, ancestral or trauma-informed scale. Once we see this, we can surrender and show ourselves deeper compassion and trust to heal.
ENVY
It’s only human to compare oneself to another; this an ancestral condition we have faced longer than times memorable. We can compare ourselves financially, romantically, and personally, but this usually shows something deeper. Envy reveals an inherent shame, lack, resentment, inferiority or hostility within our psyches. Recognising this can provide an opening for seeing the areas we doubt ourselves in and actively working on them.
SADNESS
The truest indicator that we have neglected a part of ourselves, whether it be mind, body or spirit.
Sadness and grief can easily manifest into dis-ease, asking for immediate attention to care for ourselves. Crying is one of the best ways to release sadness. There are many age-old stories about the benefit of crying as a tool to remove toxins and reduce heart disease risk. Sometimes all one needs to do is see the self and provide a space to practice self-love to soothe any sorrows to restore the spirit.
REGRET
I had a moment of clarity when it came to regret – the question I posed to myself was that if I trust in life and all that is destined for me, how can I regret one thing?
This simple pondering may seem reductive in some senses, but often when we think of the ‘what ifs’ and the ‘I wish I had’s we add a layer of pain onto an already traumatising incident. Instead, try to reshape this narrative and think of these incidents as opportunities for growth and learning, a painful yet powerful launchpad from which we can make memorable and effective changes in our lives.
So to be clear – no emotions are bad – rather, they are beautiful tools that help guide us. They allow us to experience the fullness of what it means to be human.
Some honourable mentions of herbs for mental health:
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