Happiness doesn’t always come naturally, especially when the skies are grey (hello, Scotland!). But here’s the good news: you can make your own happiness by boosting the right hormones in your body—serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, adrenaline, and oxytocin.
These hormones are like your personal cheerleaders, ready to lift your mood if you know how to get them going.
Let me tell you how I do it.
Serotonin: The Calm and Content One
Serotonin is my go-to for finding balance when life feels overwhelming. One of my favorite serotonin boosters? Singing. Whether I’m in the car on my way to the gym or cleaning up after dinner, I’ll sing along to whatever’s stuck in my head.
I also turn to creative tasks. Sometimes I’ll rearrange my living room or try out a new recipe—it’s oddly satisfying and gives me a sense of calm. And if I need a quick reset, I’ll take a moment to reflect on my progress at the gym or in life. Those little wins remind me how far I’ve come.
Dopamine: The “Yes, I Did It!” Hormone
Dopamine is the ultimate motivator, and I tap into it every day with my to-do list. Because of my ADHD, I break my tasks into tiny steps—even something as small as swallowing a supplement. Every tick on the list gives me a little hit of dopamine, and that sense of accomplishment keeps me going.
Then there are the big wins, like hitting a personal best at the gym. Few things beat the rush of deadlifting heavier or perfecting my form. But it’s not all about lifting—I also get a dopamine boost from preparing a meal I’ve been craving. There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a perfect stir-fry or roasting veggies just right.
Endorphins: The Stress Busters
For me, stress release starts with movement. Weightlifting is my therapy—there’s a unique kind of joy in feeling strong and in control. On days I need an extra boost, I’ll add in some cardio or a short, intense session.
When I’m not lifting, I turn to laughter. I’ll text a friend for some quick banter or scroll through my favorite comedy clips. It’s amazing how quickly a good laugh can turn your day around and flood your body with endorphins.
Adrenaline: The Energy Charger
Adrenaline fuels my drive when I need a kickstart. Setting new fitness challenges—like working toward unassisted pull-ups—always gets me fired up. It’s not just about the goal; it’s the thrill of pushing my limits.
Traveling also kicks my adrenaline, especially as a solo female traveler. I love the freedom of skipping guided tours and ditching strict itineraries. Instead, I’ll pick a location, figure out my way there on the go, and embrace the unexpected. It’s thrilling to navigate new places, find hidden gems, and let the adventure unfold naturally.
Oxytocin: The Warm and Fuzzy One
Oxytocin is all about connection for me. Whether it’s a deep conversation with a close friend or sitting down for a meal with someone I care about, those moments always brighten my day.
At work, chatting with colleagues or catching up with friends makes a huge difference. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat, sharing a laugh, or brainstorming ideas together, these interactions leave me feeling more connected and uplifted.
Small gestures work wonders too. Sending someone a thoughtful message or even stopping to pet a friendly dog reminds me how connected we all are. It’s in these little interactions that I find the warmth and comfort of being part of something bigger.—
Happiness isn’t something that just happens—it’s something you create, moment by moment. For me, it’s singing, lifting weights, checking off my tasks, connecting with people who matter, and finding joy in small accomplishments. None of these take much, but together, they make life richer.
So, what’s your first step to hacking your happiness?