HAPPY BRAIN CHEMICALS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD!

HAPPY BRAIN CHEMICALS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD!

Your daily D.O.S.E

The image below was designed by the lovely Kim, as a quick and easy reference guide to what the various feel-good chemicals in our brains do, how we can tell which ones we're short on, and most importantly what we can do about them when we're feeling those effects, in a targeted way. We've had the poster in the social media team 'office' for a while now and it's so popular it's made its way onto family members' phones as it has turned out to be a useful basic 'how to perk up your sad sack' cheat sheet for spousal units and carers! Now we're sharing it with everyone. Let us know what you think... It's definitely changed how we manage mood for the better. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're being guided into the garden with a hula hoop and a bar of chocolate ;)

Text in the image is recreated below it.

DOPAMINE - the reward chemical

Enables motivation, concentration, learning, and pleasure.

Promotes determination to accomplish goals, desires, and needs.

OXYTOCIN - the love chemical

Increases trust and motivation to build and maintain relationships.

Known as the' love' or 'cuddle' hormone. Plays a role in bonding.

SEROTONIN - the mood stabiliser

Improves general well-being and happiness.

Can create positive emotions, and plays a role in our social dynamics.

ENDORPHINS - the pain killer

A natural pain killer in response to acute pain or stress.

Also aids in our general well-being, and release when laughing too!

How do you know if you are low in one or more of them?

DOPAMINE

• Procrastination

• Mood swings

• Inability to focus

• Feeling anxious

• Low energy/ Fatigue

• Lack of motivation

• Low self-esteem

• Feeling hopeless

OXYTOCIN

• Lack of motivation

• Feeling anxious

• Disconnection of relationships

• Insomnia

• Low energy /fatigue

• Stressed

• Feeling lonely

SEROTONIN

• Anxiety/Panic attacks

• Overly sensitive

• Mood swings

• Social phobia

• Insomnia

• Low self-esteem

• Obsession/ Compulsion

ENDORPHINS

• Impulsive behaviour

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Aches and pains

How can you increase them?

DOPAMINE

• Small daily tasks completed

• Moving your body

• Creativity; writing, crafting, baking

• Eating food

• Doing self-care activities

OXYTOCIN

• Playing with your pet

• Holding hands/physical touch

• Hugging loved ones for at least 30 secs

• Either giving or receiving compliments

SEROTONIN

• Sunlight

• Meditation

• Being in nature

• Massage

• Cold showers

• Moving your body inc: walking, swimming & cycling

ENDORPHINS

• Laughter with others

• Watching a comedy

• Moving your body

• Dark chocolate

• Essential oils

• Crying

• Eating spicy foods

• Stretching

Designed and illustrated by Kim Clayden of Online- Psychotherapist.com for the HMSA Charity.

HAPPY BRAIN CHEMICALS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD! (A4 Document)

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