DOSE - Brain Hormones
Dopamine
- For Motivation, Learning, Pleasure.
- Drives the Want part of behavior.
- Makes us want to accomplish goals, desires and needs.
- Over-stimulation can lead to addictive behavior.
Effects of deficiency
- Procrastination
- Low self esteem
- No motivation
- Low energy/ fatigue
- Can't focus
- Mood swings(anxious)
Oxytocin
- Gives a feeling of trust, makes us build intimate relationships.
- Known as "Cuddle hormone" and "love hormone".
- Plays a big role in bonding.
- Gives lasting feelings of calm and safety.
- Helps fight stress.
Effects of deficiency
- Feels lonely
- Stressed
- Disconnect from relationships
- Insomnia
- No motivation
- Low energy/ fatigue
- Feels Anxious
Ways to increase...
- Physical touch, making eye contact
- Socializing - especially with friends and family
- Being with a pet
- Getting a massage
- Listen to music
- Cold shower
- Exercise
- Meditation
Many of these stimulate the Vagus Nerve.
Serotonin
- Helps body heal faster
- Reduces
- aggression
- impulsivity
- stress
- depression
- anxiety
- Rigid thinking
- Pessimism
- Increases
- Resilience
- Patience
- Plasticity
- Learning and unlearning
- Adaptability
Effects of deficiency
- Low self esteem
- Overly sensitive/ emotional
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Social phobia
- OCD
- Insomnia
Ways to increase...
90% of serotonin is made in the stomach. Few ways to increase serotonin...
- Sunlight
- Regular exercise
- Diet with eggs, cheese, meat.
- Meditation
- Happy Memories(photos, stories of past)
- Cold showers
- Getting a massage
- Gratitude journaling
Endorphins
- Reduces physical pain - gives a brief feeling of euphoria(Runners high, addictive nature of cutting, etc.)
- Response of physical pain or stress.
- Reduces anxiety and depression
Effects of deficiency
- Aches and pains
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Impulsive behavior
Ways to increase...
- Laughing and crying
- Exercise
- Creating art
- Dark Chocolate, spicy food
- High intensity training
- Meditation