The Tale of Three Hormones

I have spent my whole life seeking for happiness so the verb itself is home to me on several levels. It doesn’t mean I’ve always known how to find it but now that it has quietly made a room inside me, I can’t imagine not sharing it. After all, part of being happy is having someone to share it with.

Long before I had access to free books and educational resources, when I was growing up, I was taught that giving by any means will put a smile on another person’s face which will then be radiated on my face. And so it’s true but the hurdle of getting abused due to giving too much originated from enabling, an act I wasn’t familiar then was downright threatening. So I dismissed the thought that giving is the only option to finding happiness.

Then there’s that “the world is in your head” mantra. If you think happy thoughts, then everything about being happy will show in what you say or do. But this thing in itself too defies the logic of “where then do we draw happy thoughts when the world around us is just plain grim.” You can’t give what you don’t have.

One night as I was lucky enough to work a slow night shift in the Blood Bank, I was compelled to research about finding happiness. Then I found out that happiness is more than just n struggle to act or feel. It goes in depth towards the chemical workup in our system. Of course, we still do the work but it’s as simple as knowing how and when it’s secreted in order for us to act or feel truly happy. There are more than three hormones for joy but only three has caught my attention to easily be incorporated in my day to day:

1. Dopamine- According to https://www.universalclass.com/articles/health/understanding-the-role-of-hormones-and-neurotransmitters-in-mental-and-emotional-health.htm

As you can probably tell from the name, it can have a great effect on the way we feel. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter which is responsible for the feeling of pleasure we receive when accomplishing something or being rewarded. When dopamine is released we feel an almost euphoric high and it is very pleasant to the body and emotions. The feelings that accompany dopamine release reinforces good outcomes and positive behavior, contrary to the stress and increased heartbeat one may feel when doing something bad or being punished.

In a nutshell, this hormone is feel-good hormone after accomplishing something.

2. Endorphins- https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression#1 says that

Improved self-esteem is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.

This explains why my husband wanted me to go to the gym before we decide on important matters. I must have been happier and has been contributing greatly to decision making.

3. Oxytocin- I don’t know about you but for me, this 3^rd and last hormone is easier to get to once both the two above are accomplished. They said a cuddle a day keeps the doctor away. But trust me; it’s hard to cuddle away when you feel unaccomplished or listless.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/oxytocin explains what Oxytocin is.

It is a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing a role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels increase; hence, oxytocin is often called "the love hormone." In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in all pair bonding. The hormone is greatly stimulated during sex, birth, and breastfeeding. Oxytocin is the hormone that underlies trust. It is also an antidote to depressive feelings.

When my colleague shouted for joy, we immediately know it was because he had finished an arduous but exciting task. Although our work is geared towards specialty testing, the culture of a bigger hospital only allows us a scant amount of time to deal with esoteric unless if there are many of us to handle traumas and patients of priority. So you can imagine how fulfilling it is to finish a complicated task. It was an obvious burst of dopamine.

Getting that kind of dopamine burst doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as planning your day. Or as minute as washing the dishes before going to bed so the sink will be clean the next day.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Everytime my day is planned and my priorities are organized, I will always have time to go to the gym or run outside or inside when it’s snowing. Then it is a better day because of the release of my endorphins. After a warm shower, I’m all smiles ready to greet my loves for a hug, a kiss or a great conversation.

My dear friend who has been thriving gracefully while fighting breast cancer has enjoyed the company and activity of having to do a monthly Spa as three of us rotate our homes for venues which is rather a spiritual moment for us as we accomplish something by preparing our homes or what to bring, then we serve each other by applying mask or brewing tea. This unprecedented monthly gathering has bonded us to grow in friendship, faith and love of life. It is something we have chosen to do and look forward to. It’s a free burst of oxytocin.

This tale of three hormones, for me is critical for our mental well being as a mom, as a wife and as a friend because the world needs more of us. To reiterate:  “We can’t give what we don’t have.”  While, the act of giving is substantial for others happiness however, you can’t expect others to return the favor. Therefore, the act of giving is to be regarded as a by-product of the happiness that starts from within.

Praise God for every moment we choose happiness…

Strive to be happy, loves!

Love, 

Ehma