Happy Brain Chemicals & Mood Boosters

Our brains are kinda like tiny potion labs that are constantly mixing up little chemical concoctions that affect how we feel. If your brain sometimes feels like it’s got a slightly dysfunctional production line or like the dopamine machine’s on a coffee break and serotonin’s stuck in traffic, you are not alone. Some brains are just extra… creative in the way that they operate. (I feel like mine are constantly having lab accidents but they’re trying their best!) These happy brain chemicals (like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins) can help boost your mood, lessen stress, and make you feel a bit more sparkly.

One little thing will not fix everything. But knowing how these happy brain chemicals work kinda gives you a little cheat sheet of different ways to love on our brains.

Real quick brainy moment (Get it? Because we’re talking about brains?):

The happy brain chemicals: Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins are all neurotransmitters.

That’s just a fancy word for messengers in the brain that help your nerves talk to each other. When you do something your brain likes and sees as rewarding, safe, or joyful (like cuddling, dancing, or even crossing something off your to-do list), it releases one or more of these feel-good chemicals and that’s pretty much how happiness gets made.

It’s also important to note that’s just a baseline and many brains work differently. For example, ADHD brains often have lower dopamine levels and/or issues with how dopamine gets used. That can make it harder to start (or finish) tasks, even if you really want to. (Grab My Resource: The Executive Dysfunction Workbook). We mistake that for laziness but it’s not. Sometimes the usual “just do one small thing!” advice doesn’t cut it and that’s okay. You might need other things like urgency or accountability to to create that same surge. Knowing this can help you work with your brain instead of constantly fighting it.

So let’s break down the different happy brain chemicals!

Dopamine: Rewards

Motivation, little wins, and gold stars.

• Celebrating small victories
• Meeting your goals (even if it’s something tiny)
• Checking something off your to-do list
• Getting enough rest/sleep
• Practicing self-care

Oxytocin: Love

Connection, warm fuzzies, & cozy cuddly energy.

• Hugging someone you love (pets count!)
• Holding hands or giving compliments
• Helping someone just because
• Laughing with friends
• Being lovey-dovey with someone else

Serotonin: Mood Stabilizer

Calm, contentment, and “I am safe” vibes.

• Meditating or deep breathing exercises
• Spending time out in nature or relaxing in the sunlight
• Walking, stretching, or gentle movement
• Positive self-talk

Endorphins: Natural Pain Reliever

Giggle fits, emotional release, & creative bursts.

• Laughing
• Watching your comfort show
• Dancing it out or physical activities
• Doing something artsy or creative

I hope you find the things that make you happy and help you release all of those happy brain chemicals in your brain – you deserve them! (Also – there’s no shame in using medications to help your brain along!)