Our natural state is happiness, but how often does that get lost in the reality of modern life?

 

All is not lost - we can take control of our happiness, turn a bad day into a good day, improve our mood, regulate our sleep, and as a by-product, get better time and task management - by turning on our "happy" chemicals!

 

smiley Happy Chemical #1 - The Reward Chemical - Dopamine!

 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter you really need to know better! Dopamine feels very nice, by the way.

 

This lovely neurochemical is released in a number of situations, so today we're going to focus on just one of those situations … anticipation.

 

Dopamine is called the reward chemical because it is released when we achieve our goals. But we also get rewarded with a nice hit of dopamine when we anticipate achieving or receiving something pleasant or anticipate that we will meet our goals or needs in some way!

 

How to capitalize on dopamine's rewards

 

Pulling out of a negative mood is a lot easier with dopamine on your side! Shift into anticipation mode - think about the lovely dinner out this weekend, or the new dress you're going to get "just because."

 

It doesn't matter what desirable thing you anticipate, dopamine will be released and start a process of putting happy chemicals back in charge of your day!

 

smiley Happy Chemical #2 - The Cuddle Chemical - Oxytocin!

 

Oxytocin feels really nice too! This neurochemical is released in response to social connections.

 

Oxytocin is the glue that binds together healthy relationships. When oxytocin is released, it encourages intimacy and trust.

 

How to get the most out of oxytocin's perks

 

Setting a bad day onto a better footing is a lot easier with oxytocin on your team!

 

Think about the trusting, close relationships in your life! Give someone a small gift, or do them a favor. Hug someone you care for. Make eye contact with someone you like and trust. Pet your cat or dog. All of these will trigger a pleasant rush of oxytocin.

 

smiley Happy Chemical #3 - The Significance Chemical - Serotonin!

 

Serotonin is in charge of your overall mood. If you’re in a good mood, you’ve got serotonin to thank. And if you’re in a bad mood, you’ve got serotonin to blame.

 

Extremely interesting fun fact: Did you know that the gut is the "second brain" and that 80 percent of serotonin exists in the gut? That explains why we get cranky when we're hungry - not enough serotonin coursing through our arteries!

 

How to reap serotonin's benefits

 

Serotonin flows into your blood stream when you feel significant or important.

 

Reflect on your past achievements. That's what is so powerful about displaying any kind of "trophies" such as thank you letters, awards, certificates, etc. Putting these reminders of your achievements out in the open allows your brain to re-live the experience and give you a nice boost of serotonin to lift an unhappy mood.

 

Gratitude practices are effective because they’re reminders that we’re valued and significant, and have much to value in life.

 

Another way to boost your serotonin levels is to get some sun for twenty minutes; your skin absorbs UV rays which promotes Vitamin-D and serotonin production.

 

smiley Happy Chemical #4 - The Pain-Killing Chemical - Endorphins!

 

Endorphins are released in response to pain and stress, and help to alleviate anxiety and depression.

 

How to receive endorphin's blessings

 

Laughter (and crying, by the way!) is one of the easiest ways to trigger the release of endorphins. Even expecting to laugh - for example, attending a comedy show - increases your endorphin levels. Take your sense of humor around with you everywhere you go to keep your endorphins flowing!

 

Our sense of smell is our oldest and most primitive sense. Use it to your benefit! Smelling vanilla, lavender, or dark chocolate can trigger endorphins. Eating spicy foods will also cause your brain to release endorphins. No wonder I love chili and jalapenos!

 

smiley Happy Chemical #5 - The Anti-Anxiety Chemical - GABA!

 

GABA is an inhibitory chemical. It causes our nervous system to slow down and creates a sense of calm and serenity. Nice…

 

How to tap into GABA's power

 

You can increase GABA by practicing yoga or meditation

 

Consuming certain foods that contain glutamic acid can help to produce GABA. These foods include almonds, halibut, mackerel, jumbo oats, beef liver (grass fed), walnuts, rice bran, and lentils.

 

Use your own neurochemistry to lift your mood!

 

There are so many ways to get a bad day off on a better foot, to calm an anxious mind so it can go to sleep, and just plain have MORE FUN!!!

 

What an awesome habit to include in your life - changing your mood with simple, natural techniques!

 

Think about which of the neurochemicals can be your superhero and try out a new mood lightening technique today!

 

 

If you have passionate dreams and brilliant ideas, but you’re frustrated by procrastination, lack of focus and difficulty following through, it’s time to get in the driver’s seat once and for all! I help women take charge of their “out of control” lives … women who feel scattered, overwhelmed, and out of their depths trying to keep their heads above water in their careers and personal lives.

 

► Get started right now!

 

Grab a copy of my FOCUS Strategies for Women with ADHD - A proven system to stay attentive, on target and in control. I share a few of my best tips for getting focused and I even show you how to combine them into a successful system so you can stop the cycle of overwhelm and blame, get control of your time, and feel good about how much you accomplish. 

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Kari Miller - ADHD & Productivity Coaching For Women and Students

Imagine finally feeling focused, confident and in control of your time and your tasks. What would it be like to release the frustration and shame and finally be able to skillfully manage your home, your career and your life! If you've tried all the "traditional" approaches to time and task management, but the pieces haven't come together for you yet, contact me - I can help!

To contact Dr. Miller
Email: klmiller555@sbcglobal.net
Website: ADHDclearandfocused.com