During times of stress we could sure use some ways to boost our moods. We need a DOSE of some of our naturally producing feel-good chemicals! DOSE is an acronym for 4 neurotransmitters:
Dopamine stimulates pleasure seeking behaviour, and it’s really the anticipation of the reward, like forward to something.
Oxytocin is the feel good hormone, stimulated mainly by social or physical contact.
Serotonin is the happy hormone, and is mood boosting.
While 90% of serotonin production happens in the gut, the most effective way to boost this hormone is through exercise.
Endorphines are probably best known for giving the “runner’s high”. They are released during vigorous exercise, deep tissue work, neurostim points (yep osteopathy too!), but also when you laugh, meditate and even eat your favourite food!
So to increase your DOSE of these feel good chemicals:
set some goals
get some social contact- yes, with those you are hunkering down with :)
keep your gut healthy and get some exercise
laugh
indulge a little
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