• Pleasure is a broad class of mental states that humans and other animals experience as positive, enjoyable, or worth seeking. It includes more specific mental states such as happiness, entertainment, enjoyment, ecstasy, and euphoria.
• The experience of pleasure is subjective; different individuals will experience different kinds and amounts of fun in the same situation.

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• Many pleasurable experiences are associated with satisfying basic biological drives, such as eating, exercise, and hygiene.
• The appreciation of cultural artefacts and activities such as art, music, dancing, and literature is often pleasurable.
• Pleasure is a component of reward, but not all tips are pleasurable (e.g., money does not elicit pleasure unless this response is conditioned).
• Stimuli naturally pleasurable and therefore attractive are known as intrinsic rewards.
• Whereas stimuli that are attractive and motivate approach behavior but are not inherently pleasurable are extrinsic rewards. 
• In other words, extrinsic rewards function as motivational magnets that elicit “wanting” but not “liking” reactions once they are acquired.

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For Example !!

• When you learn something new or something related to your professional career, you become more confident.
• As when you apply what you learned in your work, you become more motivated by your manager and your colleagues; this raises the extrinsic rewards and increases your pleasure.
• In FADIC programs, you apply all that you learn in practice. This is through workshops and projects that help you to use in practice all that you know.
• The reward system contains pleasure centers or hedonic hotspots – i.e., brain structures that mediate intrinsic rewards’ pleasure or “liking” reactions.

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• The human brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, and the spinal cord makes up the central nervous system (CNS).
• It controls most of the body’s activities, processing, integrating, and coordinating the information.
• As it receives from the sense organs and makes decisions about the instructions sent to the rest of the body. 
• Psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and clinical depression, are thought to be associated with brain dysfunctions.
• Brain activity is made possible by the interconnections between neurons through electrical and chemical signals that link neurons to reach their targets.
• That signal triggers the release of a neurotransmitter at a synapse that propagates a signal that acts on the target cell.

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These neurotransmitters include:

Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA Glutamate, and Acetylcholine

 

• According to psychologist Dr Joseph Cilona, “Happiness Chemicals are the substances in our brains called neurotransmitters.

• These neurotransmitters influence “mood, motivation, intimacy, productivity, feelings of well-being, trust, and connection with others.”

  “ Low levels of these important substances in our brains are associated with low mood and depression, pain, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and difficulty feeling motivated.”

Four different brain neurotransmitters are responsible for happy feelings (DOSE)

Dopamine

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IN THE:

• In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter. The brain includes several distinct dopamine pathways, one of which plays a significant role in the motivational component of reward-motivated behavior.

• The anticipation of most types of rewards increases the level of dopamine in the brain. Many addictive drugs increase neuronal dopamine activity.
• Other brain dopamine pathways are involved in motor control and in controlling the release of various hormones.
• These pathways and cell groups form a dopamine system which is neuromodulatory.

 

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So dopamine happiness is triggered when you get a new reward.

It is one of the Happy Chemicals in Our Brain

•  Several neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• In addition to some extent, depression involves dysregulation of the brain’s dopamine systems.
• The aetiology of these diseases involves genetic and environmental factors.
• Evidence suggests that inadequate levels of n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the brain may represent a risk factor for these disorders.
• These fatty acids, derived from the diet, are a significant component of neuronal membranes and are particularly important in brain development and function.
• Low levels of  n-3 PUFAs in the brain affect dopamine systems.
• Furthermore, when combined with appropriate genetic and other factors,  the risk of developing these disorders and the severity of the disease increases.

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• Clinical studies support the role of n-3 PUFAs in the etiologies of diseases involving the effect on the brain dopamine systems and the potential of n-3 PUFAs in treating these disorders.

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However, dopamine is synthesized in different plants to varying degrees:

• The highest concentrations have been observed in Bananas. Potatoes, Avocados, Broccoli, Brussels, Oranges, Tomatoes, Spinach, and beans also contain dopamine.
• Unfortunately, Dopamine consumed in food cannot act on the brain because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
• Dopamine is one of the Happy Chemicals in Our Brain

Moreover, they are usually focused on go-getters and a little intense. However, a lack of dopamine is associated with:

• Fatigue
• Apathy
• Lack of focus
• Forgetfulness
• Moodiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Sugar cravings
• Lower motivation

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• A pharmacist is the only expert for evidence-based information. You should search for evidence-based resources and learn how to criticize these resources.
• It is essential to know how to assess any information’s validity and reliability through learning Evidence-Based Medicine.
• It is fantastic and one of the MUST needed skills for every pharmacist now; FADIC  Evidence-Based Program is a tremendous resource for learning.

• Gastrointestinal tract, which is used to regulate the intestine.
• Enterochromaffin cells are actively taken up by blood platelets and stored.
• When the platelets bind to a clot, they release serotonin, which can serve as a vasoconstrictor and a vasodilator while regulating hemostasis and blood clotting.
• Central nervous system(CNS) of animals, including humans. It is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.
• In serotonergic neurons of the CNS, serotonin has various functions. These include the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep.

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Serotonin and Memory !!

• For the last four decades, the question of how to manipulate the serotonergic system with drugs has led to advances in treating depression.
• Non-pharmacologic methods of raising brain serotonin are also essential to improve healthy people’s moods and social functioning.
• But also to protect against various mental and physical disorders.
• Exposure to Bright Light increases serotonin without drugs. Bright light is a standard treatment for seasonal depression.
• Several lines of research suggest that EXCERCISE increases brain serotonin function in the human brain.
• You should know how to convert all this scientific information into accessible, plain language, easily understood by anyone who asks you. This is why it is essential to learn Patient Counseling and Education Program.

• pineapples
• bananas
• walnuts
• hickory nuts
• kiwi fruit
• plums
• tomatoes

Diet also can play an essential role in raising serotonin levels. A popular myth on the Internet is that BANANA improves mood because of its serotonin content.

 

Unfortunately, false. Serotonin taken orally does not pass into the serotonergic pathways of the central nervous system because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

So, if tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, will eating more of this yummy food help boost your levels of the ‘happy molecule’ and help boost your mood?

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2) DARK CHOCOLATE

• When we are talking about the brain-boosting power of chocolate and its impact on serotonin levels and mood, we are talking about good-quality dark chocolate with at least 95% cocoa.
• Perhaps surprisingly, most serotonin resides in your gut rather than the brain. According to research, eating dark chocolate can increase serotonin levels in a person’s brain and digestive tract.

3) COLDWATER FATTY FISH

• Research suggests a correlation between low serotonin levels and low levels of an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA – an essential building block within the brain.
• Fatty types of cold-water fish such as salmon are rich sources of healthy omega-3 fats, and according to studies, they can help us raise our serotonin levels.

4) GREEN TEA

• Green tea is brimming with unique antioxidants like catechins. It contains well over 700 active compounds, making it one of the healthiest drinks you can consume.
• Among those bioactive compounds is l-theanine. Research shows that this amino acid has natural, relaxant properties. According to studies, L-theanine can increase many of the brain’s mood-boosting chemicals, including dopamine, GABA and serotonin.

5) FERMENTED FOOD

• Fermented food products such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and good quality yoghurt contain probiotics essential to ensure good intestinal health.
• Probiotics like those found in these fermented products help balance the gut’s good and bad bacteria.
• When the harmful bacteria outweighs the helpful bacteria, it can create toxic byproducts that research shows can negatively affect the brain.
• One of these side effects is a serotonin level drop leading to depression.

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Oxytocin

• Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide. It is usually produced by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.
• It plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction in both sexes, and during and after childbirth. 
• Their Release into the bloodstream as a hormone in response to the stretching of the cervix and uterus during labour.
• In addition to stimulation of the nipples from breastfeeding. It helps with birth, bonding with the baby, and milk production.
• Although, It is implicated in various “non-social” behaviours, such as learning, anxiety, feeding and pain perception.

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Studies Said !!

• Some studies suggested that specific foods with different macronutrient profiles in the stomach differentially regulate the activity of oxytocin in neurons.
• The data showed that in response to high-sugar, but not high-fat, food in the stomach, there is an increase in the activity of oxytocin neurons.

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The ways to raise oxytocin listed below are based on measuring changes in oxytocin in the blood in humans. Many are from my lab, but some come from other sources.

Variations in protocols and the moderate sample sizes for human studies inhibit comparing the reported average changes in oxytocin across published works.

Instead, I’m simply listing the ways to raise oxytocin in order of my personal favorites.

3. Share a meal. Eating moderately is calming and helps us bond with others. Including a glass of wine is fine, too. You can increase the effect by following #9 and making the meal you share a gift.

4.  Meditate while focusing on others. My lab has found that a form of meditation called “metta,” in which one focuses on loving others, is better at fostering social connections than standard mindfulness meditation.

5. Soak in a hot tub. I love to do this with my kids. The warm temperature and time together offer the ability to connect with them. And we all look goofy when wet, making this even more fun.

6. Use social media. OK, you are doing this anyway, but you should know that 100% of the people I tested using social media had increased oxytocin. Just don’t forget to see your Facebook friends in person, too.

• Firstly, happy eid quotes sharing.
• Secondly, happy birthday, my love quotes.
• Thirdly, happy Ramadan
• Fourthly, happy birthday, my friend.
• Then, happy valentine
• Finally, happy birthday, my sister.

7. Ride a roller coaster or jump out of an aeroplane. Many activities that are moderately stressful and done with one or more other people raise oxytocin. My recent tandem skydive produced a greater than 200% oxytocin spike. Try being a single rider on a roller coaster, and you’ll experience an immediate bond with the person next to you.

8. Pet a dog. This doesn’t always work unless the dog belongs to you, but if you identify as a “dog person,” any old dog will raise your oxytocin. The dog won’t complain, either. And once your oxytocin is up, you’ll connect better with the humans around you, too.

9. Use the “L” word. Tell those around you that you love them. It is the love molecule, so it is part of our evolved biology to love others (both “philia” and “eros”). You’ve got to put it out there to get it back. With friends, too, and maybe even at work.

10. Eight hugs a day. We have shown that touch not only raises oxytocin but also reduces cardiovascular stress and can improve the immune system. Try telling people that you hug rather than shake hands and see what happens when you give others the gift of oxytocin

Studies show that the more one releases oxytocin, the easier it becomes to do so. That has certainly been my experience in practicing these oxytocin-releasing activities. If you can do all 10, you’ll be an oxytocin master.

Endorphins

• Firstly, Endorphins are endogenous opioid neuropeptides and peptide hormones in humans and other animals.
• They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. The class of endorphins includes three compounds 
  • α-endorphin,
  • β-endorphin,
  • γ-endorphin– which preferentially binds to μ-opioid receptors.
• In addition, the principal function of endorphins is to inhibit the communication of pain signals.
• They may also produce a feeling of euphoria very similar to that produced by other opioids.
• Endorphin happiness is triggered by physical pain, but it does not evolve to trigger a constant feeling of joy.
• You would touch hot stoves and run on a broken leg as your brain released endorphins.
• Endorphins are naturally produced in response to pain, but various human activities can also trigger their production.

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What about Exercise?

• Vigorous aerobic exercise can stimulate the release of β-endorphin, which contributes to a phenomenon known as a “runner’s high.”
• Continuous exercise can produce short-term euphoria, an influential state associated with feelings of profound contentment, joy, and well-being, which is colloquially known as a “runner’s high.
• Laughter may also stimulate endorphin production; a study in 2011 showed that attendees at a comedy club showed increased resistance to pain.

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10 Natural Ways to Boost Endorphins Instantly

• 1- Sniff some vanilla or lavender
• 2- Take a little ginseng
• 3- Take a group exercise class
• 4- Seek out daily laughter
• 5- Have sex
• 6- Savor some chocolate
• 7- Listen to relieving sounds, such as Holly Quoran, or music
• 8- Eat something spicy
• 9- Volunteer
• 10- Go for a run

Motivational Talk about 4 Happy Chemicals in Our Brain

In October 2015, Simon O. Sinek talked about the secret everyone should know. A powerful and life-changing motivational speech in 2017 that is a must-watch!

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NAMED: Addicted to Happiness? Notes from Simon Sinek NB Forum presentation

• He uses the four “happiness” chemicals to make his point. The body has four main drivers; Endorphin, Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Serotonin ( 2 being selfish, two non-selfish).
• E – diminishes our perceptions of PAIN and provides ENDURANCE.  Keeps us going during workouts, gives us a “runner’s high”, and helps us to endure difficulties.  Good for those late nights, 70+ hour weeks, but bad for your health in the long run.
• D – motivates us to take action towards GOALS, desires, and needs and gives a sense of pleasure when we achieve them.
• Dopamine is addicting. You may create an environment where people are addicted to bonuses, the next dopamine hit.
• S – feeling of PRIDE, SATISFACTION and being APPRECIATED.  It reinforces relationships; Serotonin is the one that is willing to sacrifice for others’ gain. Money doesn’t work as a motivation to increase serotonin.
• O – creates TRUST and healthy relationships.

In Conclusion:

• When you know all this information about The 4 Happy Chemicals in Our Brain, you will be able to use these chemicals in your body to increase your happiness.
• Additionally, you will be able to live a Happy life with people in your cycle of influence: your family, your partner, your friends, and others.
• In addition, be able to maintain a high-quality, happy life. With a great outcome and potential efficacy.
• Life is like a book; you can write all the pages of the book with a great memory. We can depend on activating these chemicals in our bodies and the surrounding people’s bodies.
• It deserves all to understand these chemicals effectively, to become Happy. When you become a LEADER in your position, you can also use the knowledge from these four chemicals to encourage and support others who work with you.
• Finally, you need to learn more and more programs to keep you updated and to teach you how to apply evidence-based practice. It is deserved. See the list of FADIC Programs, all who joined these programs have impressive happiness of knowledgeable learning.

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