What causes happiness?
Do you need to go somewhere to find it?
Is it a dollar amount at the end of a bank statement?
Is happiness an achievement?
Is it found in a new (or restored) relationship?
Is happiness found in time away, time alone, or time with a loved one?
Any of these experiences or places can lead to a happy feeling – which we often crave. But happiness isn't any of those things – but rather a response to what is happening in your biologically when you experience examples like the ones above.
Let me explain…
You are a living being – and as a living being, you need certain systems to grow, renew, and sustain you daily. One of those systems is your endocrine system.
Your endocrine system is responsible for creating and releasing chemicals that control your body functions like growth, development, emotions, moods, and sleep.
For today's purposes, let's talk about emotions – specifically, happiness.
Inside your body are four primary chemicals that create positive feelings – or happiness. They are endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These chemicals are uniquely released at different times and under different circumstances.
In Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek says,
"Whether acting alone or in concert, in small doses or large, anytime we feel any sense of happiness or joy, odds are it is because one or more of these chemicals is coursing through our veins."
So, if you want to be happy (and we all do), the natural question is, how do we get these happiness chemicals, as Simon says, to course through our veins?
That's what we'll be talking about this month. Each week, I'll describe one of those happiness chemicals and discuss how you can leverage everyday situations to experience its positive effects.
Today, let's talk about endorphins.
Have you ever gone for a long run or completed a hard workout?
If so, you've experienced the release of endorphins and the feelings it causes.
You can feel the release of endorphins when you've persevered through a strenuous challenge.
That runner's high – or euphoric feeling after an endurance workout indicates endorphins release into your bloodstream.
Endorphins mask physical pain.
They are released in response to stress or fear to help us press on and push harder.
Without endorphins, we'd struggle to finish any difficult task – especially when it became painful.
So how can you leverage endorphins to help you experience happiness today?
One way is through exercise. If you are physically able, go for a brisk walk or a run. Challenge yourself to some good old-fashioned physical activity for some time. According to the Cleveland Clinic,
"Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins — natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude."
Put a few minutes of aerobic exercise into your schedule and discover the positive feeling of physical perseverance.
And if that's not possible, there's another way to release endorphins into your body. And it's something you can do right where you're at.
Laugh.
Watch a funny video. Make up a silly story. Crack yourself up – or even tell someone else a joke.
Again, Sinek says,
"During tense times, a little lighthearteness may go a long way to help relax those round us and reduce tensions so that we can focus on getting our jobs done."
When you laugh, endorphins are released. And not only do you feel good – but you can make someone else feel good as well – well, that is, unless you're telling them a dad joke.
Speaking of dad jokes – how do you know when a joke becomes a dad joke? -- It's when the punch line becomes a parent.
That felt good, didn't it. ;)
As for now, keep those endorphins flowing – and next week, we'll talk about the feel-good chemical of dopamine.
For your growth,
The Bill Cox Team
