Habits of a Happy Brain

FOUR HAPPY CHEMICALS
Dopamine: the joy of finding what you seek

Endorphin: the oblivion that masks pain

Oxytocin: the comfort of social alliances

Serotonin: the security of social importance

Each happy chemical triggers a different good feeling:

Dopamine produces the joy of finding things that meet your needs—the “Eureka! I got it!” feeling.
Endorphin produces oblivion that masks pain—often called euphoria.
Oxytocin produces the feeling of being safe with others—now called bonding.
Serotonin produces the feeling of being respected by others—pride.

You can end up overdoing a happy habit to the point of unhappiness.

Every happy-chemical spurt is quickly metabolized and you have to do more to get more. You can end up overdoing a happy habit to the point of unhappiness.

Once you’re safe from immediate threats like hunger, cold, and predators, your brain scans for other potential threats. It’s not easy being a survivor!

EXERCISE: WHAT ARE YOUR NEW SEROTONIN STRATEGIES?

EXERCISE: WHAT ARE YOUR NEW OXYTOCIN STRATEGIES?

Make a list of remodeling projects that can work for you in each of the following categories:
Build on “proxy” trust
Place stepping stones
Be trustworthy
Build a trust verification system
Get a massage

EXERCISE: WHAT ARE YOUR NEW ENDORPHIN STRATEGIES?

Make a list of remodeling projects that can work for you in each of the following categories:
Laugh
Cry
Exercise differently
Stretch
Make exercise fun

EXERCISE: WHAT ARE YOUR NEW DOPAMINE STRATEGIES?

New Dopamine Habits
Celebrate Small Victories