Hack Your Hormones: The Number One Sunday Times Bestseller

Product Information

Its purpose (outside of childbirth) is to strengthen bonds between humans, help parents bond with their babies, maintain family units and bring mates closer together. If you enjoy a massage, here’s one more reason to get one: massage can boost all four of your happy hormones. But what if instead of just waiting for hormones to be released when we do something that makes us feel good, we did things to intentionally trigger them; to motivate us to have healthier habits in our work, leisure time and relationships? Petersson M, et al. (2017). Oxytocin and cortisol levels in dog owners and their dogs are associated with behavioral patterns: an exploratory study. Experts studying the effects of supplements have found varied results. Many studies involved animals only, so more research is needed to help support the benefits of supplements for humans.

Listening to instrumental music, especially music that gives you chills, can increase dopamine production in your brain. Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin help promote happiness and pleasure while reducing depression and anxiety. You can give these feel-good hormones a natural boost with some simple activities. Oxytocin: Often called the “ love hormone,” oxytocin is essential for childbirth, breastfeeding, and strong parent-child bonding. It can also help promote trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships. Levels generally increase with physical affection. Bolbol-Haghighi N, et al. (2016). Effect of massage therapy on duration of labour: A randomized controlled trial.Phase 1 - The Period Phase (around days 1-8) this starts on the 1st day of your period - and is the bleeding phase, when women may experience cramps, headaches, diarrhoea, nausea and fatigue. "Your productivity will be at its lowest - so go easy on yourself. This is a time for reflection and creativity. When you exercise, opt for low intensity such as walking, stretching, and gentle yoga to promote blood flow. The foods you need in this phase should be comfort foods and food that are high in iron, magnesium, zinc and omega 3. Also, keep hydrated and pamper yourself." Serotonin is a chemical messenger that’s believed to elevate your mood. Here are 7 serotonin-boosting foods, including turkey and cheese. Learn more… READ MORE But if you enjoy music, simply listening to any music you enjoy may help put you in a good mood. This positive change in your mood can increase serotonin production. Endorphins: These hormones are your body’s natural pain reliever, which your body produces in response to stress or discomfort. Levels may also increase when you engage in reward-producing activities such as eating, working out, or having sex.

Certain foods can also have an impact on hormone levels, so note the following when meal planning for a happy hormone boost:The feeling of blissed-out high-energy and satisfaction after going for a jog? That would be Endorphins doing their thing, reducing your perception of pain and heightening feelings of pleasure.

Exercising! (how many 90s babies knew this already from watching Legally Blonde one too many times?) If you really want to feel those happy hormones, note that dancing and sex both lead to endorphin release, while orgasm triggers dopamine release.Going for a run, swim or cycle – aerobic exercise (cardio) is best for stimulating serotonin because it more easily releases Tryptophan into the bloodstream than other less strenuous forms of exercise. Tryptophan is what your body then converts into Serotonin yogurt, beans, eggs, meats with low-fat content, and almonds are just a few foods linked to dopamine release Though you may absolutely not want one, a long hug after an argument with a loved one, lasting 20 seconds, will trigger maximum release of Oxytocin (as well as Serotonin, the mood stabilising and happiness hormone) making you feel closer, reducing stress and telling your brain that you feel safe and loved again. Mending the bond that felt broken with the warm, fuzzy, strengthening glue of Oxytocin. Exercise has multiple physical health benefits. It can also have a positive impact on emotional well-being.

Serotonin: This hormone and neurotransmitter helps regulate your mood as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory. If you’re having difficulty regulating your mood, talk with a healthcare provider, who can recommend therapies or treatments that may help. Even if you don’t own a dog, you might also experience an oxytocin boost when you see a dog you know and like. If you’re a dog lover, this might happen when you get a chance to pet any dog at all. So, share that funny video, dust off your joke book, or watch a comedy special with a friend or partner.If you’ve heard of a “ runner’s high,” you might already know about the link between exercise and endorphin release. Most of us don’t think about our hormones much in daily life, we know they exist, we know teenagers experience changes due to hormones and if you’re someone who menstruates it’s likely you’ve been accused (rightly or wrongly) of being ‘hormonal’ at least once.