Boost Your Mood

Quick tricks to balance the brain’s natural happy chemicals.

Fighting the last bit of winter doldrums before spring can feel like a chore, but we have more power over our emotional state than we might think. By tapping into the brain’s happy chemicals, or neurotransmitters, we can boost our mood with just a few simple hacks. Here are the brain’s “happy” chemicals, and what you can do to get them revved up:

Dopamine. This is the reward chemical that gets activated when you do pleasurable things like shopping, sex, or even just smelling some delicious food. Research has found that foods high in tyrosine, like chicken, bananas, and pumpkin, can help boost dopamine. Meditation and expressing gratitude also have been linked to higher levels.

Oxytocin. Some scientists call this the “cuddle hormone,” since it provides the feeling of connection, bonding, and love. While you can get a boost by getting a hug from someone you love, you can also give yourself a hug, or watch videos of cute, cuddly animals to get the same effect.

Serotonin. This hormone has a significant effect on your mood, and more than 90% of serotonin is located in your body’s gut. Try eating more foods with tryptophan, the amino acid from which serotonin is made, like salmon, turkey, and pineapples. Sunlight and exercise also aid its production.

Endorphins. These hormones are natural pain relievers that can reduce pain and stress when they’re present. It’s easy to boost your body’s natural endorphins with either a bite of dark chocolate, or a bit of movement. Don’t worry, you don’t have to hit the gym—even dancing around your living room can get the feel-good chemicals going.