Symphony "Ode to Joy" became the crowning achievement of the great Beethoven, who, before the creation of his masterpiece, was the embodiment of grief, but at the same time experienced that serene feeling of joy that is given only to those who have known the secrets of the world. Alexander 1, to whom the Maestro dedicated several of his works, after the victory over the French, on the contrary, was possessed by unbridled joy.
Why does the same feeling have such striking shades? This is due to hormones — serotonin and dopamine. Despite the fact that both of them are hormones of joy, the first of them gives her calm and stately, and the second — frantic. Let's try to figure out why this is happening.
- Dopamine — joy hormone #1: in anticipation of happiness
- Serotonin — joy hormone #2: there is happiness
- Three ways to maintain serotonin in the blood
Dopamine — joy hormone #1: in anticipation of happiness
Everyone knows that the expectation of happiness is always better than happiness itself. This rule contains the action of the hormone dopamine, a powerful release of which occurs in anticipation of the expected joy. It is no coincidence that after a while, brain asks to repeat the brightness of emotions, thereby forming our habits and preferences. So there is a desire to visit your favorite places, enjoy delicious food, and even make love, we are pushed by the same dopamine.
Subscribe to our page on Instagram!
By the way, this — in the desire to constantly have fun — and lies the nature of all vices. It is the excess of this hormone that causes cravings for various types of addictions, ranging from alcohol to sexual addictions. It provokes unhealthy risk-taking, and can even provoke mental disorders.
The lack of dopamine, first of all, deprives a person of the ability to rejoice.
Dopamine deficiency causes:
- depression;
- insufficient concentration;
- lack of energy;
- reduced sex drive;
- pessimism, despondency;
- Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia.
A high level of dopamine calls for exploits and discoveries, and a lack of it causes despondency and hypochondria. Normally, dopamine is necessary for a good memory and thought process.
Dopamine has an undeniable advantage: it helps not to die of fear and alleviate severe pain. Therefore, it is also called the hormone of heroes. In this regard, it is close to adrenaline, since it is also produced in stressful situations and causes similar reactions in a person.
Subscribe to our page on Facebook!
The dopamine rush causes:
- rapid heartbeat;
- rapid breathing;
- Rush of blood to the face.
Specialists say that it is quite simple to ensure the constant production of dopamine. To do this, you need to have regular sex and snack on chocolate.
Serotonin — happiness hormone #2: there is happiness
Serotonin (more precisely, a neurotransmitter) is called differently: both the hormone of pleasure, and the hormone of joy, and even the hormone of happiness. There is no contradiction in this: serotonin contributes to the production of those substances that are responsible for high spirits, good spirits and a sense of happiness. In a word, it allows us to confidently go through life and experience the joy of familiar things, — sunlight, raindrops, colorful rainbows.
At the physiological level, setoronin provides sound sleep at night and a vigorous state in the morning. Getting into the blood, it prevents the development of inflammatory processes and allergic reactions, activates the liver and platelets. It also helps to resist stress and protect the psyche.
Unlike dopamine, serotonin can accumulate in the body in immense quantities without causing distortions in the form of destructive attachments. But its deficiency can lead to sadness and depression.
Serotonin deficiency in the body causes:
- apathy, depression;
- irritability;
- low concentration;
- obsessions;
- fibromyalgia, arthritis.
In order to always be sure that happiness exists, it is necessary to take care of maintaining serotonin in the body.
Three ways to maintain serotonin in the blood
Foodstuffs. Responsible for a good mood — black chocolate and all sweets. However, they can ruin the figure. Therefore, you should look for foods that contain tryptophan, magnesium and B vitamins. They help trigger serotonin.
Good Mood Products:
- sour milk;
- millet, buckwheat, oatmeal;
- meat (especially liver);
- hard cheeses;
- mushrooms;
- nuts (peanuts, sesame, cedar);
- dried fruits (prunes, dried apricots, dates).
Physical activity. During sports, the production of serotonin increases several times. However, training should be moderate. Otherwise, the supply of serotonin stops.
- Hiking is preferable to long runs.
Sunlight synthesizes serotonin, so we are optimistic in summer and depressing in winter. Artificial light does not replace sunlight, therefore, try to go outside during the day to make sure that there is happiness.
More useful information on our channel in Youtube:
Add a comment