The effects of the coronavirus crisis and its restrictions remain firmly in force. The pressures on us all continue. It feels as if it\u2019s getting ever harder to keep positive and emotionally upbeat.<\/p>\n
Some of my other blog articles have focussed on things we can do to fight low mood. This week I want to link that to information on the internal chemicals we all have which have the capacity to help us fight the blues and feel happy. These chemical messengers are produced within the body and affect our brain and nervous system, working to keep us balanced emotionally. They can help give us that \u2018kick inside\u2019 to help us keep on top of things.<\/p>\n
These chemical messengers are hormones or neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins. Each of them serves a different purpose:<\/p>\n
The natural release of these hormones in individuals can have been adversely affected by the conditions of the coronavirus restrictions. The fears associated with the pandemic could have inhibited serotonin release; feel good activities, such as exercise, have been curtailed inhibiting the release of endorphins; the structure of life, both at work and at home, has made people less energised and has made the achievement of goals more difficult, thus resulting in a dip in dopamine release; most significantly, living in isolation or bubbles has severely restricted our physical contact with others hence reducing our oxytocin levels.<\/p>\n
There are things you can do to boost happy hormone release:<\/p>\n
To learn more, access the articles or videos below. I especially recommend the BBC article which contains a video.<\/p>\n
\u2018How to Hack your Happy Hormones\u2019<\/a> by Estelle de la Ford on the BBC website<\/p>\n \u2018How to Hack Your Hormones for a Better Mood\u2019<\/a> by Crystal Raypole on healthline.com<\/p>\n \u2018Eight ways to boost happy hormones and stop feeling blue – from yogurt to dogs\u2019<\/a> by Jane Symons on mirror.co.uk<\/p>\n \u2018Foods to induce Happy Hormones and help to combat stress\u2019<\/a> on mentalhealthintheworkplace.co.uk<\/p>\n \u20185 Happy Hormones and How to Boost them Naturally\u2019<\/a> by Dr Susan Biali on Reader\u2019s Digest Best Health online<\/p>\n \u2018What are happy hormones?<\/a>\u2019 by Hello Doctor SA on YouTube<\/p>\n \u2018Happy Brain Chemicals: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins\u2019<\/a> by Inner Mammalian Institute on YouTube<\/p>\n