Pleasure is a Chemical Reaction Only ……..

Chemicals are making you happy or sad....

Pleasure and pain is a chemical reaction. There are four primary chemicals in the brain that effect happiness: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. Each one is activated in a different way. We could design our brain by activating these chemical through our daily experiences. This could be achieved through positive thinking, through yoga and meditation.  

Here are four major chemicals in the brain that influence our happiness (DOSE):

1. Dopamine
2. Oxytocin
3. Serotonin
4. Endorphins

Dopamine – Dopamine is generally considered as happiness drug. Procrastination, self-doubt, and lack of enthusiasm are linked with low levels of dopamine. This brain's "Pleasing chemical," sends signals among brain cells in a way that rewards a person or animal for one activity or another.  

Oxytocin – Oxytocin is a harmone that released in one person through his/her closeness with another person.  It also triggered through social bonding, like eye contact and attentiveness. This helps strengthen existing bonds and relationships. Animals will reject their offspring when the release of oxytocin is blocked. Now new research from Duke University suggests the hormone may also support spirituality. "Oxytocin appears to be part of the way our bodies support spiritual beliefs." 

Serotonin – This is responsible for controlling your greater mood. If you’re in a nice mood, you’ve got serotonin to thank. And if you’re in a bad mood, you’ve got serotonin to blame. So, serotonin can affect mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory and sexual desire and function. Serotonin starts flowing when you feel significant or important. Loneliness and depression are common when serotonin is absent. Serotonin is manufactured in the brain and the intestines. The majority of the body's serotonin, between 80-90%, can be found in the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin that is used inside the brain must be produced within it. 

University of Montreal scientists ; Perreau-Linck et al, have shown that activities like mindfulness have a direct impact on the brain’s production of serotonin levels. It is thought that meditation “bathes” neurons with an array of feel-good chemicals, effectively melting away the stress that leads to low serotonin levels and depression.

Endorphins – Endorphins are those happy hormones that make us feel good. Endorphins are known as nature's natural painkillers, these opiate-like chemicals are generally produced when the body is under extreme physical stressful conditions. Yoga, meditation, exercise, running, laughter, sex promotes the production of endorphins.