Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins… On his Instagram account, the neuroscientist explains how too low levels of these so-called “well-being” hormones harm our emotional state and shares his tips for naturally stimulating their release.
Reduced motivation, depression, fatigue, loneliness… Hormones play a role in our emotional fluctuations. This is what the neuroscientist known as “tjpower” says on Instagram in a May 26 post. The specialist describes the influence of the so-called “well-being” hormones – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins, combined with the abbreviation DOSE – on our psychological state. He explains how too low levels of each impair our mental health and provides the keys to stimulating their secretion.
D for dopamine
Also called the “immediate gratification hormone,” dopamine plays a role in our ability to motivate ourselves, initiate action, and pay attention. Insufficient production can lead to feelings of depression and a tendency to procrastinate, says the neuroscientist. To fix this, he recommends a “cell phone detox.” The expert also advises to pay particular attention to order in the house, ensuring a “tidy and clean house”. Another easy item (apparently) to install is the cold shower. This is evidenced by a study published in 2000 by a neuroscientist European Journal of Applied Physiology. Specifically, the work showed that immersion in cold water (14 degrees) caused a 250% increase in dopamine levels. Swimming in low temperatures causes heat shock, which allows the synthesis of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, general practitioner Guillaume Baruq told us in a previous article.
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O for oxytocin
It is the hormone of attachment and inner security. Too low a level can lead to feelings of loneliness or lack of self-confidence, notes the neurologist. Establishing physical contact can significantly improve low oxytocin levels. “A 20-second hug is enough to get your dose,” said Dr. Frederic Saldman (1) in a previous article. TJ Power also recommends taking care of your connection with others, paying attention to them, particularly by arranging one-on-one discussions, and taking care of your connection by adopting a positive attitude towards yourself.
S for serotonin
This hormone is specifically designed to regulate mood, appetite, and pain perception. This is the reason why an insufficient level causes fatigue, but also a feeling of anxiety, reports the expert in his publication. There’s nothing like exposure to morning sunlight to stimulate its secretion, she notes, and to make food choices that are as natural as possible. Finally, the specialist emphasizes the importance of the quality of rest that we allow ourselves. deep sleep and slow breathing are great ways to stimulate serotonin production.
E for endorphin
The last hormone presented by the neurologist is endorphin, “a kind of natural morphine.” When endorphin levels are too low, we are stressed and easily irritable. The practice of intense sports exercises is strongly encouraged by the specialist in order to increase the production of the hormone. The specialist qualifies hot baths and saunas as excellent solutions. Finally, sex and singing also promote the release of these happy hormones.
(1) Your health without riskBy Frederick Saldman, (published by Albin Michel).
Source: Le Figaro
