Happy Hormones, Happy head?
Did you know that petting a dog releases a happy hormone called oxytocin. How wonderful and simple. I would suggest it was a dog you know, otherwise your circulation may suddenly be flooded with adrenaline, as your arm is rived off by a rabid canine. This is known as the “bonding” hormone and can be released too, by hugging someone (the same rule about knowing the recipient applies) otherwise, even though you are filled with “feel” good vibes, you’re being read your rights for common assault. Holding hands and even cooking for a loved one can also create this wonderful release of oxytocin.
There are other hormones that, when released, create a sense of wellbeing, and demonstrate that we are programmed to be happy! Endorphins are released when we exercise (so a bit of a double-edged sword, if you’re running from the rabid dog) but safer in a suitably equipped gymnasium. Burning essential oils can contribute to this hormone rush as well as watching some comedy, and even eating dark chocolate can give you the “natural pain killer” that is endorphin, (useful if the comedy is particularly painful to watch, or you’re still recovering from the rabid dog).
Serotonin is the hormone that improves sleep, so for anyone who suffers with insomnia it would be useful to get outdoors more and feel the sun on your skin (ensuring of course, that you wear some sunscreen), another double-edged sword. In the UK we don’t get enough vitamin D, research shows, because of the weather, yet if we do catch any sign of a sunny day, we cram a years’ worth of sun into one day, leaving our skin sored and burned. Not advisable! We can also get serotonin from meditation, and I have referred to this practice in other blogs and in my book. Anything cardiac related can also give us some serotonin which links back in with the endorphin releasing exercise I mentioned above!
Finally, last but by no means least, Dopamine is the “reward” hormone, the chemical that makes you feel good, lighting up the areas in the brain associated with reward and pleasure. Listening to music can enhance this release as well as a good night’s sleep, but you’ll need the help of fellow hormone serotonin, for that. Completing a small task is another way to release dopamine, and anytime right now, as I write this blog, my brain is undoubtably being flooded with dopamine, as I tick off another job for my website!
If we just focus on the neurochemistry of the body, we can make the links with all the advice we get from our doctors, and from the government, about getting more exercise, getting outdoors more, engaging in hobbies and developing relationships. This is all recommended for mental health and when we explore the neurochemicals we can see why! I sometimes believe that when advice is given in a prescriptive way, or when the balance of power in a conversation is weighted to the clinician, the information can be less credible. Oftentimes we can feel like we are being dismissed, given generic “heard before” repetitive information. As a clinician, I have done research as part of my Masters, into the consultation process, finding that patient centred care and advice is increased, if you focus the patient, and give them informed and evidence-based advice/information.
This blog is my way of showing you the clinical explanations of some of the advice often given to us. Think of me as Dr Hormone. But with a Masters, not a PHD, and with an abundance of dopamine but a depletion of oestrogen! #menopause- a whole other conversation!!
If you do want advice on any clinical matter, it is always best to either reach out to your own NHS GP, or use the NHS choices website, which has an A-Z directory on most common ailments and conditions. If you want further information about resources local to your area you can ring NHS111 to get signposted, or, in the rare case you get through to your own GP, advice on services can be reached there too. Alternatively, you could invest in a book or two, I would recommend Dr Max Nieuwdorp, who wrote The Power of Hormones, a guide to decoding the body’s signals to transform your health and well-being. Another great read is “it’s not in my Head, it’s my Hormones” by Dr Marion Gluck. She explores ways to tame your hormones and feel like yourself again.
