What if I told you there was a way to essentially hack your brain to be happier?

Brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, are like chemical messengers that bridge the gap between nerve cells and other target cells. They control your body’s reaction to information it receives internally as well as from your environment. The beating of your heart, movement of your limbs, your senses and your stress response are just some of the functions controlled by your nervous system, and in turn by these neurotransmitters.

We don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty science of it all, but if you’re ever looking for more information about brain chemicals or want to better understand how they work, I highly recommend this article by the Cleveland Clinic.

There are over 100 known neurotransmitters with all sorts of different functions, and occasionally they don’t all act the way they should. Though an issue can arise with any one of these many brain chemicals for a variety of reasons, we’re going to focus on a few that can have a major impact on your mental health.

Dopamine

The first of these “happy” brain chemicals is called dopamine, which plays a role in your body’s reward system. Pleasure, focus, learning, mood, and motivation are all impacted by dopamine. There are several diseases known to be impacted by issues with dopamine regulation, including bipolar disorder and ADHD.

If you find yourself unable to focus or sleep well, your body may be having trouble regulating dopamine. Some things to try to help get this neurotransmitter functioning correctly again can include simple activities, such as trying something new, or going for a walk in nature. Anything that can give you the pleasure of accomplishing a feat, even something small like taking a shower, can help you hack into the dopamine system.

Serotonin

The mood regulator neurotransmitter is called serotonin. Serotonin helps promote feelings of wellbeing and can help balance your mood. An imbalance in serotonin can lead to diseases such as anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. You may have heard of or take an SSRI, or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is a type of anti-depressant that helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain.

Because serotonin regulates mood, sexuality, anxiety, and even appetite, there are a few different things you can try to hack this chemical and better regulate it. Serotonin makes you feel satisfaction or importance, so try things like meditating, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. You can also try spending some time outside getting some sunlight.

For me, these activities have had a near miraculous effect on my mental health. Meditation and exercise have made me feel better than I ever have before, and I am far from alone in that. I spoke to a friend recently who is on a similar self-growth journey right now and they noted the exact same thing. I resisted trying these things for so long, despite what doctors and therapists had been telling me for years, but when I did I quickly saw significant changes to my mental wellbeing.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is the “love hormone” that produces feelings of love and connection. Its role in promoting social interaction can help you feel positive emotions. Also known for its role in promoting bonding and relaxation, an excellent way to regulate the levels of oxytocin in your nervous system can include things like spending time with the people you love most or doing something kind for someone else. Showing affection through any means but especially physical touch is an excellent way to hack oxytocin, which may be produced during sex.

Endorphins

Endorphins are the “pain reliever”, playing an essential role in our perception of pain. They can help you overcome discomfort or stress, and when released can reduce pain. Endorphins also trigger positive feels when you do something you enjoy.

This is why the best way to hack endorphins is to do things that make you happy. Partake in a favorite hobby, like writing or singing or drawing. Get regular exercise and practice meditation or yoga to help relieve stress, and laugh often.

Though there are many more neurotransmitters than the ones discussed here, each with an essential role in brain function and behavior, regulating these four happy brain chemicals can make a noticeable impact to your life. If you suffer from issues with your mental health, or even if you’re just looking for ways to bring a little more happiness into your world, making small changes like the ones suggested here for each of these happy chemicals can completely hack the way they function and help you live a better life.