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Happiness is one of the sweetest words one can hear and feel. But have you ever thought about what causes happiness? So, let’s take a look at the chemical picture of happiness. There are 4 chemicals known as DOSE which are responsible for making you happy. DOSE stands for,
D-Dopamine
O-Oxytocin
S-Serotonin
E-Endorphin
Each chemical plays a significant role to make you fresh and relaxed. When the job is done the releasing of these chemicals will be turned off leaving you with a desire for more. Therefore, it is important to know how these chemicals function in the body.
Dopamine:
This enables motivation, learning and pleasure. Have you ever accomplished something and had the thought of “Yes, I got it”? Dopamine was the chemical responsible for such situations. Once you achieve your goals dopamine reinforces pleasure. But overstimulation of dopamine can cause addiction. This will be an issue sometimes because the addiction readily goes with bad habits. Low levels of dopamine can cause anxiety, lack of motivation, feeling hopeless, and inability to focus on something.
Oxytocin:
This is called as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone” as well. It gives the feel of trust and motivates you to make relationships. It actually makes you feel safe and comfort. It has also found that oxytocin can boost the immune system and make you an emotionally positive person. Low levels of oxytocin will make someone feel lonely, stressed and insomniac (difficult to sleep).
Serotonin:
This gives you a feel of significance and pride. It is the pleasure you get when experience loyalty, status and social power. It develops your leadership skills and helps to extend them. It not only motivates you but your peers to do the same. Low levels of serotonin can result symptoms like low self-esteem, social phobia, and depression
Endorphin:
Any kind of physical distress can cause the release of endorphins. It is also known as a natural pain killer. Low levels of endorphins can cause aches, pains, impulsive behavior and anxiety.
Most of us lack either one or more of these hormones in adequate levels but still we have chances to increase them in our body. The below picture will show you some easy tips to increase DOSE,
It is very important to have a balance of these chemicals because happiness creates a mentally strong person full of joy and energy. Be happy always!!
Reference: https://www.bananatreelog.com/blog/daily-dose-of-happiness-chemicals (Accessed on 17/10/2020)
Image references :
https://m.facebook.com/frontline19/photos/a.120265106283206/186274533015596/?type=3&source=48 (Accessed on 17/10/2020)
https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/sri-lanka-extreme-heat-weather-colombo-29-feb-2020-10570896f (Accessed on 17/10/2020)
Author -Chathushka Hettige
Undergraduate(Chem. Hons)
University of Colombo
Faculty of Science
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