How to Hack Happy Brain Chemicals

Janice Tovey
2 min readDec 28, 2021

Easier than you think.

Happy brain chemicals, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins. A picture of happy balloons.
Photo by Hybrid on Unsplash

Serotonin: Serotonin is referred to as the mood stabilizer. Meditate. Find a good YouTube video and just start. Even a couple of minutes a day of meditation is excellent. Take in some sunshine. Sit in a sunny window, or go for a short walk. Sunshine makes you feel good. Eat a healthy diet. Less sugar and refined carbohydrates and more whole food equals less inflammation. Exercise of any kind is great. Dance around your living room, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to your local store. Small changes add up to good feelings.

Dopamine: Dopamine is referred to as the reward chemical. Hack dopamine by completing the tasks on your list. Start with a small list. Listen to your favorite music. Put in your earbuds while you do your chores. Be adventurous, try something new. Start small. A new recipe, a new route to work; speak to someone new. Read a new book.

Endorphins: Endorphins are referred to as pain relievers. Create art or music. Complete a puzzle, learn an instrument or draw a picture. Laugh, laugh, laugh. Watch your favorite sit com, talk to a friend who makes you laugh, read a funny book. Laughter produces endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good. Practice yoga and meditation. Five minutes a day is a great start. Engage in regular exercise. Something as simple as a 10 minute walk will do wonders…

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Janice Tovey

My passion is writing. I also love reading, teaching, animals, nature, music, and humor. I am curious about everything and enjoy writing about all things.