The Feel Good Factor..

Our brain has the most incredible capacity to affect and influence both how we feel, and also how we focus and act. Knowing and understanding exactly how the chemicals the brain produces are created and work gives us limitless possibilities to adapt them so that they are fit for the purpose we need them to be on this healthy journey.

There are 4 such chemicals;

Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphin. Let’s break them down and look at ways to create those feelings for our benefit.

DOPAMINE – The Reward Chemical

This is the one most associated with the instant gratification/pleasure we get from eating certain foods. Actually you can get that same high from;

• Practising self care and doing things you enjoy
• Completing a task, for example sorting out a cluttered drawer you’ve been postponing.
• Celebrating each and every small success  

SEROTONIN – The Mood Stabiliser

These are the things you can do to help level your mood, great for relaxing and de -stressing;

• Meditation and listening to music
• Running
• Sitting in the sun
• Going a walk
• Swimming
• Cycling

OXYTOCIN – The Love Hormone

Quite self explanatory, it’s things that make you feel good;

• Playing with a pet (notice how important pet therapy has become in many area of life)
• Playing with a baby
• Holding hands
• Giving a receiving hugs
• Taking time to give a compliment.

ENDORPHIN – The Pain Killer

We all know that endorphins are released when we do more activity, but there are other ways;

• Laughter either with a friend, or reading a book
• Massage with essential oils
• Activity
• Watch a comedy

When you look at them and how easily you can incorporate them into your daily life for example;

Going for a walk, in the sunshine with your pet and possibly holding hands with your partner, or even stopping to chat with people you meet. If you make it your challenge to pay someone a small compliment each day, you’ll be surprised at how good it makes you feel. So actually, you’ve ticked all the boxes, you feel more relaxed, less stressed, you’ve got all the chemicals flowing and not relied on food at all!!!!!

Happier people make healthier choices!

The feeling we call “happiness” comes from the four special brain chemicals:
dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin and serotonin

loretta graziano breuning