Want to be happier today? Feel better today?
Would you like to do so without running to the doctor for a prescription drug that brings God-knows- what side effects?
You’re in luck!
For all the pain these old bodies can cause, mentally and physically, it did come with a pharmacy built right into our brains. But scant instruction on how to use this feature.
Yes Virginia! (and Virgil) You can make your own “Happy Drugs!”
4 to be exact.
The brain is capable of having our bodies create 4 chemicals which boost our mood.
Some call them the ‘Feel Good’ chemicals.
[Be sure and read until the end to claim your free FEEL GOOD poster!]
They are:
Dopamine: This is a chemical that is made by the body when we are expecting to get something pleasurable. It’s a motivating chemical that pushes us forward toward some desired result. It is so powerful, it will even override our body’s self-defense mechanism. This is the drug that fuels addictions to cocaine, heroine, alcohol, porn, and other addictive substances. But that is on the extreme side of things. More often, it causes us to click just one more screen. Ok, one more. Or to get up from our comfy chair to go get that last slice of fresh cherry pie. But it can also push us to do one more push-up, if we feel we have some positive result or feeling to gain. Or to sit and fish for another 30 minutes expecting that next bite to arrive.
If you’re feeling lazy, listless, or unmotivated, a boost in dopamine might be just the thing for you. You can trigger this chemical production in your brain by imagining a positive reward from the doing of some “thing” or activity.
Though it’s not listed on the following charts, SEX happens to be a good trigger for the internal production of all these chemicals. No doubt a “survival of the species” mechanism.
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Oxytocin: This is the “Love Drug”. It produces a warm feeling of comfort, belonging and connection. It’s the self-made chemical that makes you instantly feel so good when you get a great big hug. Or you feel it when you are petting your favorite dog or cat. Or any pet that you love. Even if it belongs to someone else! Want to feel all warm and fuzzy, try some of these love chemical producing triggers:
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Endorphins: Need a pain killer? Make your own. Yes, your body came equipped with its own, all-natural pain reliever factory! Your body was built to produce a chemical called “endorphin” which is a pain blocker. (you probably lost the owners manual too, like me). Luckily, there are smart people out there who figure this stuff out and pass it along. Consider this the memo you never got. So how do we trigger the production of our body’s own natural pain reliever?
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Serotonin: Serotonin is like a bright, sunny day, in chemical form. It makes you feel good. Lighthearted. Hopeful. Happy. It’s a self-made mood-boosting chemical. If you need a quick pick me up, try triggering your body to whip up some serotonin for you by doing something from the chart below:
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In conclusion…
These human bodies are a complex mechanism we’ll be learning about until the end of time. Miraculous discoveries occur constantly which help us live longer, feel better, do more, and do it with greater efficiency and speed.
The more we know about how this thing works, the better we are equipped to deal with things when it doesn’t quite work right.
It seems those days multiply as we get older.
At least it does for Elderbob.
“Bene Vivere!”
Bob “Elderbob” Schwarztrauber
P.S. Our surroundings, the things we see everyday, can have a profound influence on our mood. If you’d like to invite more ‘happy’ into your home, I invite you to check out my Better Days Decor store.
P.P.S. Here’s the link to the FREE 8 1/2 x 11 size poster if you’d like to keep these 4 prescriptions for happiness posted on the ‘fridge for a rainy day.
