Its only natural that as life goes on some of us lose our fizz & sparkle.

So how do we boost our ‘happy hormones’ naturally? Well chocolate is one way to boost our mood along with doing things that make us feel happy. But what are these happy hormones?

Well, every day our brains and bodies produce a cascade of hormones, that keep our systems in check and four of these hormones are Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, DOSE or simply put “happy hormones”.

These happy hormones are released when we love, laugh, hug, watch a feel good or funny movie or experience feelings of joy, and while they are making us feel happy, they are also reducing stress, releasing tension, easing mental anguish and even dampening down pain as they are natural pain killers. But a sure sign that we’re running low on happy hormones is feeling flat, worn out, fatigued and maybe even a bit blue.

So here's how you can boost your happy hormones and get them singing along with your mind and body starting with Serotonin.

Serotonin - The all-rounder hormone

Serotonin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating many body functions: appetite control, digestion, sleep cycle and is also a mood regulator. Signs that you're running low on Serotonin include fatigue, weight gain but poor appetite, feeling anxious, maybe even a bit depressed and lacking in self esteem.

• Exercising: and moving the body with any physical exercise (the best are aerobic) such as swimming, walking, running through to yoga and dancing (at the VaVa Yoga and VaVa Danza studio) are some of the best ways you can boost your Serotonin levels.
• Digestive health: did you know that 95% of Serotonin is actually produced and stored in the gut! Needless to say your diet here is super important to aid in Serotonin production. You can take this as a reminder to eat 5 serves of veggies & 2 serves of fruit daily plus healthy fibre rich foods such as seeds, nuts, legumes, potatoes, whole grains & oats.
• Sunny Spain: soak it up! Get your daily dose of vitamin D to produce even more Serotonin, and did you know that the best place for vitamin D absorption is actually on your wrists, so roll up those sleeves, but don’t over do it. Include vitamin D rich foods, such as mushrooms, eggs, fish & milk or soy.

Dopamine - The reward hormone

The opiate of hormones, Dopamine is another neurotransmitter responsible for rewarding us and making us feel good. When we want to reward ourselves immediately we think of that chocolate we've been hanging out for, or the glass of wine at the end of a hard working day. Or working towards and achieving a goal, or passing exams or getting that promotion you've worked so hard for, or the joy of having lost weight and getting into that beautiful outfit, whatever it is that makes you go all fizzy and tingly inside, that's Dopamine at work, a very powerful hormone, one that is like a drug and we crave more because it makes us feel sooooooooooo good.

Life low on Dopamine…. feeling tired, unmotivated, uninterested in things that used to bring you joy and this can culminate in difficulties concentrating and sleeping poorly. So how do you up your Dopamine production?

• Exercise (again): movement is medicine, and as we age, we need to move MORE not less. Do something everyday, (or at least try not to go 3 consecutive days without doing some form of movement /exercise) be it dancing, running, weightlifting, cycling, swimming, walking, yoga, whatever tickles your fancy, just keep moving and have fun while doing it.
• Food (again): be mindful of what you’re putting in your body, and be conscious of what you’re eating. Fast & junk foods, high in fat, salt and sugar are detrimental to Dopamine and Serotonin production. These happy little helpers thrive on a diet of fresh whole foods, and Dopamine especially likes the amino acid ‘Tyrosine’ which you'll get from almonds, bananas, avocados, chicken, eggs, beans and fish, all of which have high levels of Tyrosine, which naturally aids in Dopamine production, your body will love you for this.
• Reduce stress: where possible. Sometimes there’s no way to avoid stress, but there are a few things you can do to help minimise stress, such as listening to calming music, or doing yoga & meditation, having a massage or a spa experience. These are not luxurious nice to do’s, but rather, are must do’s that will assist in alleviating and minimising stress and will help keep Dopamine levels nice and high, and you feeling GREAT!

We can provide nutritional & exercise advice to help find the best balance for your body. So if you want good quality sleep, want to feel better or just want to talk to someone, simply pop in to, or call, VaVa Complementary Health and Wellbeing, and let us take care of you.

Namaste, Ashlí

• Articles
  • Yoga is Yoga is Yoga
  • Shed the weight
  • Is there more of you?
  • For every Kilo 1
  • For every kilo 2
  • Don't be a fall stat
  • Recharge batteries
  • Weightloss with DTM
  • Your feet can heal you
  • Aromatherapy massage?
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • The Winter Blahs 1
  • The Winter Blahs 2
  • The Winter Blahs 3
  • Happiness Hormones 1
  • Happiness Hormones 2
  • Lose the year's weight