Your Daily D.O.S.E - Your Happy Hormones Explained

Let’s talk all things hormones! Are you getting your daily D.O.S.E.? Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins are “feel good” hormones that your body naturally produces. 

All hormones act as messengers to our brains, regulating everything from our physical bodies, to our emotional well-being. These hormones are highly influenced by our thoughts, activities to the types of foods we eat, meaning we are in control to increase their levels and give our moods a boost. 

Here is your Happy Hormone Breakdown and how you can increase your daily D.O.S.E. everyday to boost your mood and overall wellbeing. 

DOPAMINE 

This is the “reward” chemical. It’s release is driven by reward seeking behaviour. Some of my favourite dopamine activities: 

• Finishing a project / ticking off your to-do list 
• Practice self-care 
• Learn something new 
• Finish your Wordle for the day! 

Dopamine can also be associated with pleasurable sensations, along with learning, memory and more! 

OXYTOCIN 

Often referred to as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is essential for childbirth, strong parent-child bonding, but also experienced when you are quite literally in love! It can help promote trust, empathy and bonding in relationships. Some ways to increase oxytocin: 

• Give someone a hug 
• Cuddle or pat your dog 
• Spend time with friends or your loved ones 
• Enjoy some Vitamin D 
• Eat some chocolate! 

SEROTONIN 

This is your “mood stabiliser” or “happy hormone.” It also helps regulate your mood, as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability and memory. Some ways to increase serotonin: 

• Meditate 
• Ground yourself in nature 
• Soak up the sun first thing in the morning 
• Laughing with friends 
• Enjoy fatty proteins such as salmon and eggs 
• Drink green tea! 

ENDORPHINS 

Known as the body’s natural “pain killer.” Your body produces endorphins in response to stress or discomfort. I’m sure you’ve heard of the “runners high?” Some ways to increase endorphin levels include: 

• Moving your body (working out or having sex) 
• Dancing 
• Playing and creating (try painting, colouring-in, doing something creative) 
• Listen to music 

If you’re looking for ways to increase ALL hormones, my two top things for you to do are meditate, and prioritise good quality sleep! And for a little extra support on your wellness journey, use code WENDYSERRANO for 15% off at checkout on all Naked Harvest products.

With love,

Wendy