How to cultivate the happiness quartet

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The name happiness quartet is given to a group of hormones that are related to the feeling of well-being. Each one plays a role and today we want to tell you what you can do consciously to increase its level.

The Happiness Quartet is not a musical group, but the name given to the four hormones associated with the feeling of well-being. These are: endorphin, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.. They have in common the fact that they all participate in that feeling that we know as “being happy.”

The human being is not only a biochemical cocktail, but it is also feelings and emotions They have a biological basis. It could be said that the happiness quartet is the physical reference of joy and joy.

Each of the members of the happiness quartet plays a specific role.. They do not work simultaneously, but each one plays their role. However, they all contribute to making us feel optimistic and happy. The point is that it is worth knowing the role they play and how their production can be stimulated. Let’s see.

“Happiness is not something already done. It comes from your own actions”.

-Dalai Lama-

The quartet of happiness: endorphins

Endorphins are one of the components of the happiness quartet. They were discovered more than 40 years ago and They are considered a natural pain reliever. That is, a substance capable of reducing physical pain based on a euphoria that, in any case, is usually temporary.

There are several ways to stimulate the production of endorphins, but without a doubt the most curious is to eat spicy foods.. A study from the University of Oxford, led by Professor Robin Dunbar, points out that watching sad movies also increases these chemicals. Singing, dancing and working as a team are other ways to increase them.

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serotonin

Serotonin generates a feeling of happiness in one of the most interesting ways. In a nutshell, This neurotransmitter gives you the feeling of being important or valuable.. As they say, it increases your feeling of self-love and that helps you feel better overall.

The easiest way to increase serotonin is by turning to happy memories. The evocation of good times or pleasant events is enough to cause chemical changes in the brain. Doing aerobic exercise, exposing yourself to sunlight and receiving massages are other ways to increase it..

dopamine

dopamine It is a hormone that is defined as a “mediator of pleasure”. It is related to the emergence of desire and motivation. Of course, the lack of dopamine makes you feel apathetic, with the feeling that you don’t feel like doing or planning. This substance also appears in falling in love.

This neurotransmitter is present when you start something and when you finish it. It also appears when you have small achievements, such as getting a good place in a line or spending less time than expected on a procedure. Therefore, to raise the level of dopamine, there is nothing better than setting small goals and achieving them. Don’t forget to celebrate every time you do it.

oxytocin

Oxytocin is perhaps the most famous member of the happiness quartet. In fact, Many call it “the happiness hormone.”although it also receives other suggestive names such as “the hug hormone” or “the affection hormone.”

This hormone rises when you feel recognized, accepted and included.. Of course, it is also present when you feel loved. This, in turn, gives you a feeling of confidence, security and optimism.

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Oxytocin increases with hugs lasting more than 20 seconds. Likewise, a gift raises your level. Manifestations of affection, in general, lead to an increase in hormones and you feel in the middle of pink clouds.

Formulas for the entire quartet

The happiness quartet is sensitive to some simple practices, which together increase your sense of well-being. The first of them is to get enough sleep and rest periodically.. Tiredness and fatigue negatively influence all of these substances.

Laughter is another magic formula to get all those neurotransmitters flowing happily.. Obviously we are talking about a sincere laugh, not the kind that has to be faked when the boss makes a bad joke.

Making love is another way to have these neurotransmitters ready. We must put emphasis on “making love” because having sex does not always generate that superlative well-being. Pampering your pet, kissing and exchanging caresses are other ways to get the quartet of happiness going.