Have you ever wondered why eating your favourite dessert makes you instantly happy? Or how about when someone compliments you on your hard work and it instantly brightens your day? All of this and more occurs as a result of chemical reactions that take place in your brain. Yes, we're talking about the hormones that your brain produces to make you happy.

Certain hormones have been shown to aid in the promotion of good emotions such as happiness and pleasure.

Among these "happy hormones" are:

Dopamine: Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is an important part of your brain's reward system. It is also known as the "feel-good" hormone. Pleasurable experiences, as well as learning, memory, motor system function, and more, are all linked to dopamine.

Serotonin: This hormone (and neurotransmitter) is involved in mood regulation, as well as sleep, appetite, digestion, learning, and memory.

Oxytocin: Oxytocin, sometimes known as the "love hormone," is necessary for delivery, breastfeeding, and strong parent-child bonds. Oxytocin levels rise with physical love such as kissing, snuggling, and intercourse, and it can assist foster trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships.

Endorphins: Endorphins are a natural pain reliever produced by your body in reaction to stress or suffering. When you engage in reward-producing activities like eating, working out, or having sex, your endorphin levels tend to rise.

Here's how to get the most out of these natural mood-lifters.

Take a walk outside.

Do you want to increase your levels of endorphins and serotonin? Spending time outside in the sunlight is an excellent method to accomplish this.

According to a 2008 study, exposure to sunlight can boost serotonin and endorphin production.

Begin by spending at least 10 to 15 minutes each day outside. Try exploring a different area or park if you're weary of the same old views. (Just remember to apply sunscreen!)

Make exercise a priority.

Exercising has a variety of physical health advantages. It can also be beneficial to one's emotional well-being.

You may already be aware of the link between exercise and endorphin release if you've heard of a "runner's high."

Exercising, on the other hand, isn't simply about endorphins. Physical activity can improve your dopamine and serotonin levels, making it an excellent way to boost your happy hormones.

Prepare a favourite dinner with a special someone.

In principle, this tip might increase all four of your happy hormones.

The pleasure you feel from eating something tasty might cause dopamine and endorphins to be released. Oxytocin levels can be increased by sharing a meal with someone you care about and bonding through meal preparation.

Certain foods can also affect hormone levels, so keep the following in mind when planning your meals for a happy hormone boost:

Spicy foods may cause endorphin release.

Yoghurt, beans, eggs, low-fat meats, and almonds are just a few foods associated with dopamine release. Foods high in tryptophan have been connected to elevated serotonin levels. Foods containing probiotics, such as yoghurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, can alter hormone release.

Listen to some good music
Music can increase the levels of more than one of your happy hormones.
Listening to instrumental music, particularly chill-inducing music, might boost dopamine production in the brain.

However, if you appreciate music, merely listening to it can help you feel better. Serotonin production can be increased as a result of this good mood alteration.

When musicians make music, endorphins are released. According to a 2012 study, producing and performing music through dancing, singing, or drumming resulted in the production of endorphins.

Have a restful night's sleep.

Sleep deprivation has a number of negative consequences for your health.

For starters, it may cause an imbalance of hormones in your body, particularly dopamine. This can have a negative impact on both your mental and physical well-being.

Setting aside 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night can help restore hormone balance in your body, which will make you feel better.

If you're having trouble sleeping, try these tips:

Creating a calm, restful resting environment by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (try reducing light, noise, and screens) Caffeine use should be reduced, especially in the afternoon and evening.

Try Meditation

If you're experienced with meditation, you're probably aware of its numerous health advantages, which range from improved sleep to stress reduction.

Many of the advantages of meditation are linked to increased dopamine production throughout the practice, according to a small 2002 study. Meditation, according to a 2011 study, can also increase endorphin production.

Not sure where to begin? It's not as difficult as you may believe. You don't even have to sit still, but it may be beneficial when you're initially getting started.

By Yashaswini