The science of love and happiness
Since antiquity, the heart has been a revered organ, not just for its ability to grant us life and influence emotions, rather for being the command centre for intuitive intelligence.
Did you know that core heart feelings (love, appreciation, bonding, compassion) down-regulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)? Literally love, and emotions rooted in love, literally rejuvenating the body-mind.
The longer you linger in states of love the more you draw love into your life. Remember that to experience this you don’t need any-one or any-thing, it all starts right inside of you.
The neurohormones behind attraction, desire and falling in love :
DOPAMINE - attraction - High levels of dopamine plus related hormone, norepinephrine, are released during attraction. These chemicals make us giddy, energetic, and excited - oftentimes suppressing appetite and sleep.
OXYTOCIN - trust - nicknamed the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone” is released in large quantities when bonding, making love, breastfeeding, hugging and childbirth. ‘Oxy’ lowers blood pressure and stress hormones like cortisol.
ESTROGEN , TESTOSTERON - desire - estrogen and testosterone affect sexual desire, libido, passion and arousal. Testosterone tends to increase lust and estrogen gently arouses and promotes vaginal lubrication.
VASOPRESSIN - connection - similar to ‘Oxy’ it is responsible for feeling of commitment, connection and attachment. Both chemicals are often attributed in part to the success in long term relationships.
Our evolutionary biology shows us that we are wired to be blissful creatures. Our brain has a wellspring of self-produced neurochemicals that dictate our emotional landscape, from how we perceive and experience life to our ability to experience satisfaction.
When we ask ourselves what makes us fundamentally happy, many think of possessions, people or experiences. And although these can be key players, in reality, fundamental happiness is unbounded from experiences and circumstances, and instead, has to do with an inner chemical experience.
The Neurochemicals of happiness:
SEROTONIN - the happiness chemical
Soak in the sun
Walk in the nature
Happy microbiome
Tryptophan rich foods
Herbs: St John’s Wort, Albizzia, Ashwagandha
DOPAMINE - the feel good hormone
Manifestation
Concentration
Meeting and breaking goals
Tyrosine and Omega 3 rich foods
Herbs: Mucuna, Ginkgo, Turmeric
ENDORPHINS - the pain reliever
Movement
Exercise and orgasms
Laughter and dance
Vitamin B and C rich foods
Herbs: Cacao, Guarana, Maca
OXYTOCIN - the cuddling hormone
Bonding
Arousal, touch, self care
Compassion, Trust
Healthy fats and Magnesium
Herbs: Damiana, Rose, Blue Lotus
The four main neurochemicals above that have been recognized for being directly responsible for creating the emotions that allow us to feel happiness and fulfilment.