A Guide to Happy Hormones

🌟 Meet Your Happy Hormones

There are four key chemicals often called the “happy hormones” because they’re linked to pleasure, connection, and overall good vibes. Let’s break them down…

1. Dopamine – A big hitter, dopamine enables motivation, learning and pleasure & enables you to get shit done.

This one’s all about motivation, focus, and that satisfied yes-I-did-it feeling. Dopamine kicks in when you tick something off your list or hit a small goal (hello, to-do list addicts!).

Boost your dopamine:

• Complete a task (even the little ones!)
• Celebrate small wins
• Listen to your favourite tunes
• Treat yourself to some dark chocolate 🍫
  

2. Serotonin – The safety hormone, seratonin helps you to feel calm, confident, seen and accepted

Serotonin supports everything from mood to sleep to digestion. It’s your feel-good, keep-it-steady hormone—and it loves a bit of nature and sunshine.

Boost your serotonin:

• Get outside (especially in the sun!)
• Take a mindful walk in nature
• Try meditation or breathwork
• Go for a swim or cycle
• Yep… dark chocolate helps here too!
  

3. Endorphins – The Natural Painkiller

Endorphins are your brain’s way of giving you a big, euphoric hug. They help relieve stress and physical pain—and they’re why people rave about that post-workout buzz.

Boost your endorphins:

• Move your body (dance, walk, stretch, whatever feels good!)
• Laugh out loud (laughter yoga is wildly fun, give it a go!)
• You guessed it… dark chocolate again 😉

4. Oxytocin – The Love Hormone

Oxytocin is all about connection. It helps us feel bonded, relaxed, and supported. It’s released during sex (preferably orgasms 😂) hugs, hand-holding, and cuddles with pets (or people).

Boost your oxytocin:

• Cuddle your partner, friends—or your dog!
• Enjoy some sexy time (with our without partner) 
• Give or receive a massage
• Hold hands or share a moment of kindness

💡 Quick tip: Happy hormones work best when you give them a little love every day. Why not print out our Happy Hormone Infographic and pop it somewhere you’ll see it—like your fridge, bathroom mirror or desk?

Let it be a gentle nudge to choose joy, soak in connection, and celebrate the little things.

If this stuff really floats your boat, check out this book called The DOSE effect by neuroscientist TJ Power, 

You’re doing brilliantly—don’t forget to pause and praise yourself for it 💛