Blissed Out: 5 Ways to Boost Feel Good Hormones

DOSE: Dopamine, Oxycontin, Serotonin, and Endorphins.

I recently read a wonderful article on how massage elevates our feel good hormones, also known by the acronym DOSE: dopamine, oxycontin, serotonin and endorphins. As humans, we are wired for touch from the moment of birth, in fact, medical science now recognizes how important skin to skin contact is for newborn and mother as soon as the baby leaves the womb. Good bodywork helps to stimulate these essential hormones. Keep reading to learn my top 5 ways to get these good feelings flowing.

1. Get a hug!

Positive touch increases our oxytocin levels. This hormone can also be increased through cuddling, getting cozy with a loved one or petting your dog or cat.

2. Laugh it Out!

Laughter release endorphins which not only makes you feel happier but also increases your ability to ease pain and fight sickness.

3. Keep Moving!

Walk, run, ski or hike! In other words, exercise! It’s proven to increase our happy hormones and can lift us out of moodiness, anxiety and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

4. Get a Massage!

Surprise, surprise! When you get massage your body makes more serotonin and dopamine while reducing your cortisol levels. Massage has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety and depression.

5. Eat chocolate!

It’s true! Chocolate stimulates endorphin secretion and as long as you don’t go overboard (think 2 squares a day of dark chocolate) it’s a great way to boost mood.