The Chemistry Of Happiness

The chemistry of happiness is directly related to chemical neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for regulating our mood and cognitive functions. As we explore in this article, the four key ‘happy chemicals’ are dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.

What is happiness scientifically?

There are many factors that can influence happiness, but the chemical reactions and electrical activities in our brain play a major role. How chemical neurotransmitters interact with the basal ganglia and cerebellum of the brain affects our mood, emotions, and overall feeling of happiness. Neurotransmitters can be stimulated by activities, events, thoughts, memories, pheromones, and drugs.

Although true happiness cannot be exactly quantified and directly measured using the scientific method, it has a chemical basis that science can objectively explore. This does not necessarily diminish the validity of the subjective human experience of happiness; it is quite the opposite.

Knowing the scientific chemical basis for happiness may actually increase our awareness of others’ suffering and help us to become more empathetic. At the same time, understanding the chemistry of happiness empowers us to combat negative emotions, both psychologically and pharmacologically. 

What are chemicals that make you happy?

Although the subjective experience of happiness cannot be reduced merely to chemical reactions in the brain, there’s nevertheless a solid scientific basis for describing how it works at the molecular level. There are four main chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the feeling of well-being and happiness. They are:

• Dopamine
• Oxytocin
• Serotonin
• Endorphins

The right levels and combinations of these neurotransmitters must be present in the brain at appropriate times for us to function normally and feel happy. Fundamentally, happiness can be described as the feeling of contentment and joy. It can range from long-term contentment to bursts of pleasure and intense but fleeting ecstasy.

Stimulating the chemicals in the brain, especially in intense ways, can cause addiction disorders and may lead to depression or other psychiatric ailments. This is especially true in the case of illicit drug use.

The chemicals that make you happy explained

1. 1. Dopamine
      Known as the pleasure chemical, dopamine’s IUPAC standard name is 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzene-1,2-diol. It has the chemical formula C8H11NO2.

      High levels of dopamine trigger a surge of neurochemical and electrical activity in the brain, particularly in the basal ganglia. The dopamine binds with specific receptors in the basal ganglia that are associated with the feeling of pleasure and well-being.

      This activity can be mimicked by some types of illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine hydrochloride. When someone takes drugs, their natural production of dopamine is disrupted. The brain then becomes dependent on drugs or certain activities to experience high levels of dopamine; this is how addiction starts.

      Addiction is not limited to illicit drugs. It may also include legal drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Addiction is also associated with certain activities like gambling and extreme sports. The ‘high’ that people experience doing certain activities may lead to an addiction disorder. An addiction becomes a serious disorder if it starts to affect your normal social and psychological functions.

   2. Oxytocin
      Often referred to as the love chemical, oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus. It’s stored and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland.

      Oxytocin is responsible for the feeling of attraction and strong attachment. It’s also responsible for stimulating contractions during labour and lactation in new mothers. Oxytocin levels increase during sex and after giving birth, thus helping to build strong emotional bonds.

   3. Serotonin
      Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s primarily responsible for regulating sleep. It promotes the normal circadian rhythm that’s associated with the day-night cycle. Serotonin levels become elevated when the light is low, particularly during night. This then stimulates the brain to slow down and become drowsy.

      Serotonin also plays a role in regulating mood, bone health, blood clotting, and sexual desire. Low levels of serotonin can lead to sleep disruption and mood swings.

   4. Endorphins
      Also known as endogenous opioids, endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They block pain chemicals, such as prostaglandins, and can also help to reduce inflammation. Endorphins are released when the pain receptors in our nerves are activated.

   How to boost your levels of happiness with chemicals

   The four major neurotransmitters and other chemicals the body produces must maintain certain levels of balance for a person to have a feeling of well-being. These chemicals interact with each other, providing the appropriate response of the brain and body.

   We don’t normally need to take pharmacological chemical boosters or substitutes to be happy; nutritious, healthy food and exercise are enough for most people. However, for people who are suffering from disorders such as clinical depression, supplements of dopamine, serotonin, and other psychoactive drugs may be necessary. 

   What are ‘mood-boosting’ foods?

   Eating the right food is one of the keys to happiness. Not only does it boost your mood, but it can also raise your energy levels. Here are some examples of mood-boosting foods:

   • Dark chocolate
   • Oily fish
   • Nuts and seeds
   • Fermented foods
   • Berries
   • Bananas
   • Coffee
   • Oats

   Summary

   Happiness is not merely a state of mind that’s determined by external factors – it’s also determined by chemistry and brain activity. The four neurotransmitters – dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins – have crucial roles to play in regulating our mood. Illicit drugs and certain activities can also affect the balance of chemicals in the brain.