Novelty and Brain!
Why getting new things make you feel good?
Let’s put it this way…
You bought a new car!
You moved to a new country!
You got the much awaited promotion at your work place!
When one of these life events (or more) took place, they all produced more or less a unique “rush” inside your brain — knowingly or unknowingly!
But did you know the reason behind?
The reason — “happy hormones”
Often termed as “Happy hormones” — Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphins are the combination of hormones in this house.
Each hormone secreted is the result of a novel activity.
Before getting any further,
Novelty in simple terms mean, anything new and different — from new experiences to material.
Here is when the body actually starts to feel good…
You know you are about to experience something new, and better you feel, higher the hormones released.
Based on the hormones released, the body tends to look for more of the same feeling or something similar. Hence, the trigger when we get something new.
These are the hormones that make you feel better…
Be good friends of the stimuli of these hormones.
Below are brief descriptions of key hormones.
Matters are not dug deep because, simple English gives you enough information just for you to know how do you be happy!
- Serotonin : Feelings of happiness and satisfaction
Hormone related with the happiness and satisfaction for most instances. Serotonin is shown on higher levels when you are felt significant and with feelings like you belong to a certain group.
Just the other way around, loneliness and feelings associated with depression are related to low Serotonin levels.
2. Dopamine : Feelings of being loved and passionate
Like Serotonin, the popular Dopamine hormone relates to happiness and satisfaction.
Just to add, it comes with a touch of responsibility for reward-driven behavior and pleasure-related activities.
Dopamine makes its responsibility for you to be proud student on your graduation, when you eat from the best restaurant in town, and this single experience beats it all — pay-day.
3. Oxytocin : Feelings of intimacy and bonding
If you have felt you are bonded with certain people or you turn back in your life and feel satisfied, be thankful to Oxytocin.
Also, Oxytocin has a major influence on certain psychological behaviors, such as, sexual and social behaviors. Simplified further, if you feel intimate… you assumed it right, Oxytocin is giving its fullest support. Hence, it is also called the hug-drug!
A unique occurrence associated is during childbirth, the hormone is severely secreted.
Higher the levels of hormones during these instances, the better you feel, and obviously, living the moment.
What makes it a relationship between the hormones I have described above and Novelty?
At all occurrences, it was a rapid rise in the hormone levels caused as a result of a positive change to the natural state of life.
So, what exactly happens to you and the brain when you get something new?
All hormones responsible to cause happiness gushes down the brain to give you the extra sense of feel and happiness.
Now you know, the more new positive experiences felt, higher the hormone levels, better you start to feel.
How to boost your “happy hormones”?
If you already do the following activities, you serve enough justice to keep your “happy hormones” happier!
Nevertheless, it is never too late to treat them right.
Exercise
Exercising is the “Duh!” methods of how you can boost happy hormones. Engage in 20–30 minutes of exercising daily.
Sure, it has more than just keeping the happy hormones happier, such as, regulating sleep, help keeping the physical fitness steady and being healthy. All these results end up being linked with your sense of happiness, which increase levels of Serotonin and Endorphins.
Have you noticed enough? When some feel a little down, they head out for a little walk. But, you can do better — Dance or go out for a brisk walk.
Eat chocolate!
Oh you got to love this! Happy hormones are better induced quality dark chocolate. Chocolate is an ultimate endorphin booster.
Serve yourself 2–3 times a week, to serve your happy hormones.
Pet a Dog or Cat
If you already have a per dog or a cat you pet for a good 15 minutes once every few days, you do well to keep your stress down. Petting a dog or cat boosts the production of Serotonin, Oxytocin and Prolactin, and aids in lowering stress hormones.
Just make sure you spend quality time with your pet — otherwise, adapt or buy your own furry ball of happiness.
Spend some time under the Sun
This should be the easiest way to boos your happy hormones. It is cost-less and effort-less. Get yourself out to be in the sun for 15–20 minutes in the morning and you will find enough Vitamin D too.
Nothing soothes you on a cold morning than being sun-kissed!
In addition, you can also involve yourself in effective meditation, have good carbs for meals and consume good quantities of B Vitamin.
What good does it bring to your body by secreting these hormones?
It keeps you going good.
It gives enough feels to function as an average human being, everyday in your life — Just a little happier!
Some research you could do after reading the article:
Just check why you get moody and have irregular mood-swings?
About Author:
I am an Associate Business Analyst dreaming to pursue a career as a writer, all the while learning the basics and advanced techniques in writing — one day to achieve my dream.
My medium handle is Muad Arshad where you can find out articles I have written on random topics, life experiences and tech-based roles.
Reach me on twitter through @muad_0911 and on LinkedIn through Muad Arshad!