Getting Your Daily DOSE: The Happy Hormone Reset

Hey girlfriend! That last supermoon was beautiful, but it had my emotions all over the place. I felt intense, scattered, and honestly, a little foggy. I know I’m not the only one. Add in shorter days and longer nights, and it’s easy to start feeling off balance. Yes, the most wonderful time of the year is coming, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the easiest.

When that eerie mix of gloom and doom starts to creep in, try giving your body what it needs to feel good again. No I’m not talking about binge watching TV shows or overindulging in treat sweets. I’m talking about biohacking. Our brains naturally produce four “happy hormones”, dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, your daily d.o.s.e. With a little effort and intention, you can tap into each one and bring yourself out of the blues in no time.

Dopamine: The Reward Drug

Hey Alexa, play “Throw Some D’s” by Rich Boy.

Dopamine is achieved through motivation, learning, and pleasure. Think of dopamine as that little spark that makes you feel accomplished or satisfied. When I’m feeling unmotivated, I know it’s because I’ve allowed my daily routine to go haywire. Staying up late on the weekends or enjoying a sweet treat once in a while is fine, but too much freedom can be a bad thing. So, to increase dopamine add some loving discipline back into your life. Check something off your to-do list or finish a task you’ve been avoiding. I aim to gain ‘easy wins’ early in my day by always making my bed and eating breakfast. They’re small victories but they set the tone for bigger ones.

Oxytocin: The Love Hormone

Hey Alexa, play “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell.

Okay, this is my song, but it doesn’t necessarily have to relate to romance. Love goes beyond flowers, cards, and candy; and intimacy isn’t reserved only for lovers. Oxytocin thrives on connection. It’s what helps us build trust and feel close to others. Hugging a family member for a little bit longer, sitting on the phone with a friend instead of texting them, giving a stranger a genuine and specific compliment. Even though they’re done for others, these actions help to fill your emotional bank account as well. Oxytocin is the feeling of a big warm, hug that reminds us we are not alone.

Serotonin: The Mood Stabilizer

Hey Alexa, play “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu.

Serotonin is that girl, she’s like a big sis. She brings balance, confidence, and calm. When you open the blinds to let in some sunlight, spend time in nature, eat something nutritional, or journal your thoughts, you’re inviting serotonin into your space. When the stress of life begins to bog me down, I look to the little things to bring me back. As if Bob Marley was singing specifically to me, I remind myself that everything little thing is gonna be alright. Whenever you have that priceless feeling of being centered and at peace with yourself — that’s serotonin doing her thing.

Endorphins: The Pain Killer

Hey Alexa, play “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott ft. Ciara & Fatman Scoop.

Endorphins are that edgy part of you that makes life feel exciting. Endorphins in my opinion, aren’t like serotonin which needs to be cultivated. Instead it needs to be released. Sometimes when I feel anxious for no specific reason, I know I’ve been chilling for too long. Getting in a good work out always help me to release all that extra energy, or to build some up if I’m feeling low. Endorphins spike when your body releases tension. So dance, run, work out, or just laugh until your stomach hurts. You’ll feel so much lighter when you melt all the stress away.

The seasons may shift, and the days may dim, but your glow doesn’t have to fade. The next time you feel off, remember — there’s nothing wrong with you. Your body is just asking for a little balance, a little light, and a little love. Feed it what it needs, and it’ll find its way back to joy every single time.