Are you aware that you have chemical messengers inside of your brain that control your feelings and even experiences? They are known as neurotransmitters. The “happy hormone” dopamine rewards you by creating that feeling of happiness and pleasure.
You just bit into that decadent chocolate bar. Mmmm. Y’all know the Chocolate paradox: You eat chocolate only when you’re stressed. When you don’t eat chocolate, you’re stressed. Therefore, you always eat chocolate. Or maybe picking out the M&Ms in Trail Mix is your cardio. I get it.
Your dopamine level may create a feeling of euphoria or seventh heaven. Too much of it can make you inattentive and even careless, but low levels can make you anxious or even depressed.
If you have a hard time finding happiness, try to boost that happy hormone. How, you ask?
Sure, scrolling Instagram for hours can supply a temporary hit of pleasure. But guess what? The longer that finger keeps scrolling, the harder it gets to feel that same buzz or high. Believe it or not, over-stimulation negatively impacts our brains. You can learn a healthy habit just as easily as an unhealthy one. Disconnect to reconnect.
Can’t wait for that luscious nap? Sleep, sleep, and sleep. You know what they say: Some people talk in their sleep; lecturers talk while other people sleep. But truly, you actually produce the most “happy hormone” while sleeping during the REM cycle.
You can always go for a run first thing in the morning, now that you are flooded with dopamine. The feel-good chemicals in your brain will increase while you exercise. Y’all know Runner’s logic: “I’m tired. Let me go for a run.” How do you know if someone ran a marathon? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.
Listen to music while you lift those weights to transport you to your “happy place.” You would be surprised how that can turn your sour lemon drop mood around. What’s on your playlist right now? Someone once said: Lately, listening to music has been more fun than listening to people.
I know you are craving sunlight so badly, right about now. Go outdoors, sweet friends, even for a few minutes. Do you have any creative hobbies? Maybe it’s time to discover your artistic roots for an instant mood elevator. It’s been said: An artist is a child who has refused to put down his crayons.
Stop imagining that you will have a pristine, flawless life or an alternate world where all is perfect. Mistakes and failures are inevitable. You may be chasing money, power, influence, or popularity. But do you truly cherish the time you have? It is slipping away as we speak. Without a profound purpose, what good is your wealth?
Do you spend your time with loved ones and pursue emotional, meaningful connection? How deep do you dive with them? Have some real conversations and don’t always hold back your real feelings.
What habits have you cultivated to make you more joyous, sweet friends? If you want to experience more positive emotions, accept and acknowledge the good in your life. Do what you enjoy, please. Relieve your daily pressure and leave room in your life to pursue and prioritize your passions. They will lift your spirits. It’s been said: A healthy attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.
Spend time with people who remind you what is worth living for. Are your friends upbeat and in high spirits often? Take satisfaction and savor the little moments. Just sitting on your front porch with a hot cuppa coffee or tea. My zodiac sign is a coffee bean. You know what they say: Just Brew It.
Do you even actively try to be happy? Please do. How can you incorporate more of what you thoroughly enjoy in your life? Giving actually offers more happiness than getting. Small acts of kindness will bring you a sense of purpose and meaning. G’head and brighten her life today.
Do not race through your day. You may be missing many meaningful moments. Think about the memories that you never made. What is happening right now at this present moment in your life? What does your world have to offer you?
Check in with yourself, please. Evaluate your mood. Give yourself room to work on yourself and to change. You require maintenance. Don’t call it a dream. Call it a plan. Joy will not be falling into your lap anytime soon, my friends. If you want happiness, guess what? You will have to chase it. Want to predict your future? Create it.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.
