OFTEN WE CAN FIND OURSELVES IN A BIT OF A SLUMP. FEELING FLAT OR SLUGGISH WITH NO MOTIVATION.
OR WE MAY FEEL STRESSED OR OVERWHELMED WITH LIFE.
Often we can find ourselves in a bit of a slump. Feeling flat or sluggish with no motivation. Or we may feel stressed or overwhelmed with life.
It can be hard to work out what you can do to lift yourself back up and get out of these flat or out of control feelings. What will and won’t work?
You may have days where you might be feeling really unmotivated, or overwhelmed, maybe distressed or sad, or even a bit lonely. You may feel like resorting to caffeine, energy drinks or sugary sweets to try pick yourself up. It’s important to try and recognise these feelings and understand what it is that your body needs. Our brain releases different chemicals to help regulate our moods. If you can identify what brain chemical you need a boost in, you can feel better, much quicker. Let’s unpack what the body’s Happy Hormones are, and how you can trigger these chemical releases in your body.
The first chemical is Dopamine. It is our reward chemical. You can stimulate the release of Dopamine by completing a task, doing a self-care activity, making a healthy meal, or celebrating a little win.
Secondly is Serotonin. This is our mood stabiliser. You can stimulate Serotonin through mediation, exercise, getting some sunshine, taking a bath or a walk out in nature. Serotonin helps when we feel out of control, stressed or overwhelmed.
Next is Endorphins. These are our pain killers and assist with stress. Why not try laughing out loud, watch a comedy, eating some dark chocolate, and exercise to increase your endorphins.
Lastly is Oxytocin. This is the love hormone. It is released when you play with a pet or animal, hug someone close to you, hold hands or have physical touch, or give someone a compliment.
Next time you are not feeling great, identify which one of these chemicals your body needs more of, then take my suggestions on how to release that chemical. See how you feel afterwards. You may find you feel more in control of your emotions, and know how to process feelings in a more effective way.
Written by Psychologist Paris Gibson – www.creatingchange.net.au
Psychology support in the Hills District, Western Sydney & Surrounds (including Rouse Hill, Bella Vista, Glenwood, Castle Hill, Kellyville, The Hawkesbury, Penrith Nepean, Blacktown, Epping, Ryde, Pennant Hills areas and surrounds)
