“LHappiness is not doing everything you want, but wanting everything you do” he said Friedrich Nietzsche. But what is happiness? It is thought to be a set of positive but subjective sensations and moments, which are different for everyone. True, but only partially. Behind happiness there are hormones and neutrotransmitters which, when stimulated, immediately bring a good mood. In time to celebrate Happiness Day on March 20th.
Happiness Day, behind the sentiment a matter of hormones
A survey conducted by Intimina, Swedish brand which deals with the intimate well-being of women, speaks clearly: 87% of respondents are aware that hormones and neurotransmitters, four in particular, are responsible for happiness. On the other hand, the percentage decreases when one asks if everyone stimulates them: only 45% of the interviewees, in fact, affirms that they dedicate about 30 minutes a day to activities that make them feel good. And all, about 90%, say that a life alone, without human contact, leads to anxiety and depression.
But which ones and, above all, what stimulate them? «To help the body produce them, first of all it is It is important to get enough sleep, exercise regularly and be socially active. But that’s not enough. You can train for happiness,” he explains Alessandra Bitelli, Woman Empowering Coach for INTIMINA.
A concept, that of “training for happiness” that most people are not used to. For example, adopt a number of strategies that help curb negativity and negative thoughts: in practice, shifting attention and one’s vision from always thinking of the worst tostart having more confidence in the world and in yourself, even putting himself a little more into the game. How to do? «You can start with a small daily exercise: just a few minutes a day to devote to imagine new and confident scenarios and magically the attitude of negative thinking will turn into a happiness factory» explains the expert.
The four friends for the Day of Happiness
Hormones and neutrotransmitters are allies in this field. Neurotransmitters work primarily in the brain and central nervous system, and while hormones are produced by endocrine cells and stimulate body functions such as growth but also affect mood and emotions, neutrotransmitters help the brain communicate, influencing the functions bodily and mental processes and controlling emotions.
Oxytocin, the love hormone
It is no coincidence that it is called the love hormone: oxytocin is in fact released in large quantities during social ties but also during sex, childbirth and breastfeeding.
For this reason, to stimulate it you need physical contact, even a simple hug: once activated, it not only raises the level of confidence but also lowers stress, anxiety and depression.
Serotonin, which deals with happiness
Set a good mood. When its levels in the brain are high, one is happy, satisfied, and well. “AND involved in all fundamental vital processes such as sleep and appetite, regulates aggressive behavior and controls impulses, stress and decision-making processes».
To stimulate it, tryptophan is needed, present in eggs, fish, meat and nuts, which activates this hormone.
Endorphins, natural painkillers
They are gods real natural painkillers. Also considered as “hormones of well-being”, they stimulate a good mood: «Not surprisingly, they reduce anxiety and stress and promote social ties. To stimulate them you need physical training activity or even yoga, for this reason they are associated with the feeling of well-being after sport, but sex and laughter are also suitable» explains the expert.
These neurotransmitters also have health benefits by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Dopamine regulates emotions, stress and learning
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced in different areas of the brain and is secreted as a reaction to pleasurable “stimulants” such as food and sex. In addition to helping emotional balance, dopamine is useful for attention, memory and learning. Contributes to regulate the flow of information in the brain, allowing us to retain new information. Factors such as stress, sleep and diet can affect its levels, as can some medications such as antidepressants.
How to stimulate it? With physical activity, especially strengthsuch as weights. These workouts give a sense of greater gratification and charge thus acting on this neutrotransmitter. Cardio activities, on the other hand, stimulate endorphins so they calm and tire the body.
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