Holidays are a time of year when we hopefully get our dose of “feel good” feelings—like the warm fuzzies you get when you find out your favorite holiday movie is on TV for the 500th time! Those natural highs!! They’re like a party in your brain, thanks to chemical reactions coming from the oldest, the deepest part of our gray matter—like a caveman discovering fire, yet with more glitter and ‘glimmers’! (BTW —Glimmers are the opposite of triggers, brought on by positive chemical reactions.)
Let’s break it down with the handy acronym DOSE! It’s not just a prescription for happiness; it’s a full-on holiday cocktail of joy!
Dopamine is the life of the party — the DJ spinning the tracks of pleasure in our brain's reward system. Whether you’re shopping, singing holiday carols, or inhaling the heavenly scent of cookies baking in the oven, dopamine is the little elf inside you that triggers a "dopamine rush." And let’s be honest, once you try one of those cookies, you’re not just coming back for seconds—you’re on a mission to single-handedly finish the entire batch. It’s science, folks: reward, want, repeat. It’s like being on the Nice list … with a lot more cookie crumbs.
Then there’s Oxytocin, the “love hormone.” It’s like the warm hug you get from your granny mixed with the trust that comes from sharing a secret family recipe. Gather ‘round with friends, coworkers, and family, add a few hugs (and maybe a little mistletoe for good measure), and voilà—oxytocin starts flowing like eggnog at a holiday party! It’s the hormone that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, increasing trust and loyalty, and making you think that maybe, just maybe, you could survive a game of charades with your relatives or at the staff holiday party.
Hip hip hooray for Serotonin — often dubbed the "happy hormone” or the “feel-good” lubricant of your brain’s neurotransmitters, responsible for your appetite, sleep, and even your mood. So, if you find yourself feeling chipper after a good meal or a cozy nap, you can thank serotonin for that! Did you know that about 90% of your body's serotonin is produced in the gut? That’s right! Your belly is basically a serotonin factory. So, if you ever wondered why eating your favorite comfort food makes you feel good, it’s your gut sending happy vibes to your brain.
There’s a theory that when you’re low on serotonin, you might feel a bit “meh.” It’s like your brain is trying to convince you to take a nap or binge-watch a series instead of facing the world. So, when life gives you lemons, maybe try some chocolate—your serotonin levels will thank you! Some studies suggest that activities like meditation, exercise, and even laughter can boost serotonin levels. So, if you’re feeling down, just grab a friend, do some yoga, and share a good laugh. It’s like a happiness high-five for your brain!
To crank up our serotonin levels (or happiness quotient, as I like to call it), we need to challenge ourselves regularly. Think of it as a scavenger hunt for joy! When we step outside our cozy little comfort zone — you know, that place where sweatpants are the official uniform — we create a new feedback loop. Suddenly, we become braver, bolder, and happier, like superheroes in yoga pants! It's like we’re on an upward spiral toward joy, and guess what? Happiness can totally become a habit. Who knew?
Now, let’s talk about Endorphins —they’re like the cheerleaders of your body, ready to pump you up! When you’re feeling down, they swoop in, reducing pain and stress — basically, they’re the bouncers at the club of your mind, kicking out negativity and bringing in the bliss. When released, endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain, making you feel like you just won the happiness lottery (without the taxes)!
And don’t even get me started on yoga and how it’s a DOSE of ‘good cheer’! It’s like a spa day for your happiness hormones. It positively influences all levels of dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. So, if you’ve ever wondered how yoga can turn you into a walking ball of joy, just remember: it’s not magic, it’s just a bunch of happy chemicals throwing a party in your brain!
Here’s how yoga contributes to enhancing these biochemical responses—and maybe even helps you find your “inner happy” or “inner guru”!
Dopamine: Engaging in yoga can stimulate the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. It’s like your brain is throwing a little celebration every time you finally nail that pose you’ve been wobbling on for weeks. Just think of it as your brain’s version of confetti!
Oxytocin: Yoga, especially in group settings, is like a social mixer where everyone gets the memo to wear stretchy pants. When you do partner work or join a group class, oxytocin levels rise, boosting feelings of trust and emotional closeness. It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re all doing upwards-facing-dog (urdhva mukha svanasana), a well-known back bend designed to lift and open your heart region. Oxytocin is generated even while sitting together in stillness (even if you do keep opening one eye to look at the clock!)
Serotonin: Regular yoga practice has been linked to increased serotonin levels, which contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness. With all that meditative zen, you might just find yourself smiling at the most mundane things—like a leaf blowing in the wind. Who knew nature could be so darn entertaining?
Endorphins: The physical activity involved in yoga can lead to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. When you finally manage to touch your toes, those endorphins kick in, and you might just feel like you can take on ‘wild thing’ — aka camatkarasana, which translates to mean “the ecstatic unfolding of enraptured heart!” It doesn’t get much better than that!
The more yoga you do, the happier you are! That’s why we have been offering “Form A Yoga Habit” for many years now. 25 days of unlimited Yoga for only $25! Spirit of Yoga offers yoga classes, 365 days a year!
If you take anything away from this blog let it be that life is a natural high! You can feel a rush of joy and fulfillment without any artificial stimulants. It’s all about finding what makes your heart race and brings you joy! Joy to the world begins one DOSE at a time.
