What are the happiness chemicals?

When you feel good, your brain releases one of the happiness chemicals, also known as happy hormones. There are four main happiness brain chemicals;

• Dopamine - This is the "feel-good" chemical. It's released when you achieve a goal, get a reward, or do something that brings pleasure.
• Oxytocin - Often called the "love hormone," it's released when you bond with others. It's what makes you feel connected, loved, and trusted.
• Serotonin - Think of this as the "mood stabiliser." It helps regulate your mood, and it's released when you feel important or valued, like when you're praised or appreciated.
• Endorphins - These are your natural painkillers. They're released when you do things like exercise or laugh, and they help you feel less pain and more pleasure.

Why are our happiness chemicals important?

These chemicals in our brain can really impact how we feel - each one affects our mood and happiness, with effects ranging from increasing satisfaction to controlling anxiety and stress. When we know how these chemicals work, we can make choices that keep us happy and healthy, and do things that boost them.