Your Daily D.O.S.E. of Happiness

As the semester winds down, it can be easy for college students to focus on things besides self-care. With exams and the holidays right around the corner, it seems like there’s no time to sit and take care of yourself. D.O.S.E. is an acronym that stands for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. These hormones are what make you feel happier and less stressed — something that we all need this time of year!

 

Dopamine: The Reward Hormone

Brings feelings of satisfaction, pleasure and motivation.

 

  • Cross a task off your to-do list: This is an easy and realistic way to trigger dopamine release. Whether you’re a student or not, we all have things that we need to get done sometimes. Even if it’s something as simple as brushing your teeth, crossing anything off your to-do list is a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment. 

  • Do some self-care activities: Take care of your mind and body! Go for a hot girl walk, stretch, meditate, journal or wear a face mask… whatever is your favorite way to show yourself some love. It will also help you feel happier and more motivated!

  • Take a nap: Sleep has been found to increase dopamine levels, so curl up and get some rest if that’s what your body needs. You deserve it!

 

Oxytocin: The Love Hormone

Brings feelings of trust, lowers stress and builds relationships.

  • Share the love: Oxytocin is released when we make connections with others. Give a compliment, a hug or a kiss and feel the love!

  • Listen to music: Your favorite songs can feel just as good as being in love due to music’s oxytocin-releasing benefits. Make a playlist full of songs that make you happy!

  • Try some yoga: Did you know that yoga is being studied as a form of therapy due to its oxytocin-releasing effects? There are free tutorials online for everyone from beginner to expert!

 

Serotonin: The Stabilizing Hormone

Brings happiness, balance and focus.

  • Get outside: Whether you’re hiking a mountain or having a Pinterest-worthy picnic with friends, exploring nature and soaking up sunlight are proven to improve serotonin levels.

  • Take a cold shower: It may not be as relaxing as some of the other things on this list, but our bodies respond to cold water by producing more of the chemicals that make us happy. Plus, cold showers are a great energy booster and can do wonders for your hair and skin!

  • Meditate: Invite a little balance and relaxation into your life to experience the benefits of our mood-stabilizing hormone. If meditating on your own seems daunting, try following along with an online tutorial!

 

Endorphins: The Painkiller Hormones

Bring pain relief, lower stress and improve your mood.

  • Go for a run: Ever experienced a “runner’s high?” It’s the result of endorphins flooding the body! If running’s not your thing, going for a walk is just as fun.

  • Laugh: Spend time with your friends, watch your favorite show or movie to get the laughter going! Laughter releases all kinds of feel-good hormones, and it is a great mood booster.

  • Dance: Dancing is a super fun and easy way to get moving. Blast your favorite songs in your room, go out with friends or take a class; there are plenty of opportunities to dance with no experience required!

 

If you try any of these activities out, share it with us on Instagram @theedgemag!

FeaturesCaroline Bentley