Written by Jennifer Cox LCPC
Getting your DOSE consistently and as much as possible can help keep these chemicals at a stable level – Leaving you feeling motivate, good, and confident.
DOPAMINE is an important part of our reward system, the brain releases dopamine when you do things that you enjoy or when you complete a task. It helps you get through that to-do list, it motivates you, it keeps your moving!
In recent years, dopamine has become a topic because of its addictive nature and how closely tied it is to our technology habits. It is the instant gratification it gives us that makes it difficult to put the electronics down. Trying to find more activities that are in line with our priorities and values, can hold more lasting impacts.
FOR REWARD + MOTIVATION TRY:
- Exercise
- Engaging in a hobby
- New experiences
- Completing a goal
OXYTOCIN occurs during positive social interactions – That tends to be the best way to increase this hormone such as working with others, sharing a meal, giving a gift, opening up emotionally, or providing full attention to someone.
Oxytocin boosts our immune systems, makes us better problem solvers, and makes us more resistant to the addictive qualities of dopamine mentioned above. It gives more lasting feelings of calm and safety.
FOR LOVE + CONNECTION TRY:
- Hugs
- Socializing
- Pet your animals
- Give someone a compliment
SEROTONIN gets produced when we feel satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, or recognition. Serotonin plays a role in the dynamics of pride, loyalty, and status – It allows one to accept themselves and builds confidence. It also helps regulate your sleep, appetite, and mood.
Serotonin can be found in the gut and it is governed by hunger – This is why hunger is often associated with a bad mood.
FOR GOOD MOOD TRY:
- Sunshine (Vit D)
- Gratitude/Positive journaling
- Meditation
- Diet for healthy gut
ENDORPHINS trigger positive feelings when you do something you enjoy. They also stimulate pain relief, the same reaction that occurs chemically when taking prescription opioids.
Endorphins are essentially released in response to pain. They help us push our bodies beyond their comfort levels and persist when we might otherwise want to give up. Once you remove the pain part, endorphins can feel like a ‘high’ or even just a nice relaxing feeling – You know that ‘runner’s high’ people talk about.
FOR PAIN + STRESS TRY:
- Exercise
- Laughter
- Taking a cold shower
- Creating art/music
For starters, consider basic self care and build from there:
*Diet
*Exercise
*Sleep hygiene
We can help you with support, guidance, tools, and insight to help EMPOWER you to COPE and HEAL in order to move forward.
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