Happiness underlying factors are considerable from two dimensions: endogenic factors (biological, cognitive, personality and ethical sub-factors) and exogenic factors (behavioral, socio-cultural, economical, geographical, life events and aesthetics sub-factors). Among all endogenic factors, biological sub-factors are the significant predictors of happiness. Existence of significant differences in temperament and happiness of infants is an indicator of biological influences.
One of the key elements for this is that our positive connections and experiences of awe and wonder actually create a chemical reaction in our brain. This is via chemical messengers in our brains, more commonly known as hormones.
There are four main hormones that are primarily responsible for creating those feel- good emotions and sensations. They moderate our feelings of well-being and are influenced by our stress levels, self-care, and lifestyle choices.
Here are the main happiness chemicals in your body:
• Endorphins Primarily helps one deal with stress and reduce feelings of pain
• Serotonin Mood stabilizer – wellbeing, happiness
• Dopamine Pleasure – Motivational role in brain’s reward system
• Oxytocin Bonding – Love and trust
DOPAMINE
This hormone drives your brain’s reward chemical. It is released when you are doing something pleasurable.
This could be eating a great meal, listening to inspiring music, getting a massage, or completing a physical exercise workout. The release of dopamine gives feelings of well-being and motivates you to seek things you enjoy and do well.
SEROTONIN
Serotonin stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Additionally, it helps decrease our worries and concerns and is associated with learning and memory.
Serotonin is naturally triggered by regular things we can do each day – going for a walk in the sunshine, getting a good night’s sleep, spending time in nature or self-care activities that reduce stress levels.
ENDORPHINS
Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system to help us deal with physical pain. They are released in response to pain or stress, but they’re also released during other activities, like eating, exercise, or sex.
They release a brief euphoria that covers the pain. Athletes frequently speak about an ‘endorphin high’ they get when they push their body to the point of real discomfort or pain.
OXYTOCIN
Oxytocin often called ‘the love hormone’. Extensive research has linked oxytocin release to life satisfaction levels.
It appears to play a larger role in women’s physiology and happiness than men’s. Oxytocin is mainly correlated with a loving touch and close relationships.
This hormone provides a multiple hit, by stimulating serotonin and dopamine, while lowering anxiety.