happynhealthlife

Posts

12 Dopamine Supplements to Boost Your Mood

12 Dopamine Supplements to Boost Your Mood Dopamine is a chemical in your brain that plays a role in the regulation of cognition, memory, motivation, mood, attention and learning. It also aids in decision making and sleep regulation (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source). Under normal circumstances, dopamine production is managed effectively by your body’s nervous system. However, there are various lifestyle factors and medical conditions that can cause dopamine levels to plummet. Symptoms of low dopamine levels include loss of pleasure in things that you once found enjoyable, lack of motivation and apathy (3Trusted Source). Here are 12 dopamine supplements to boost your mood. 1. Probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms that line your digestive tract. They help your body function properly. Also known as the good gut bacteria, probiotics not only benefit gut health but may also prevent or treat various health problems, including mood disorders (4Trusted Source). In fact, while harmfu

How Does Dopamine Affect the Body?

How Does Dopamine Affect the Body? You might have heard that dopamine is the “feel good” neurotransmitter. In many ways, it is. Dopamine is strongly associated with pleasure and reward. Of course, it’s not as simple as just that. In fact, there’s a lot more to this complex chemical. Dopamine is involved in neurological and physiological functioning. It’s a contributing factor in motor function, mood, and even our decision making. It’s also associated with some movement and psychiatric disorders. We take a look at dopamine’s many roles and the signs that your dopamine levels are off. What is dopamine? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in the brain. Basically, it acts as a chemical messenger between neurons. Dopamine is released when your brain is expecting a reward. When you come to associate a certain activity with pleasure, mere anticipation may be enough to raise dopamine levels. It could be a certain food, sex, shopping, or just about anything else that you enjoy. For example, s

Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Information Sessions

Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Information Sessions Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle said these words more than 2,000 years ago, and they still ring true today. Happiness is a broad term that describes the experience of positive emotions, such as joy, contentment and satisfaction. Emerging research shows that being happier doesn’t just make you feel better — it actually brings a host of potential health benefits. This article explores the ways in which being happy may make you healthier. Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle Being happy promotes a range of lifestyle habits that are important for overall health. Happy people tend to eat healthier diets, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source). A study of more than 7,000 adults found that those with a positive well-being were 47% more likely to consume fresh fruits and vegetables than their

Use mindfulness to improve well-being

Use mindfulness to improve well-being If you've heard of or read about mindfulness — a form of meditation — you might be curious about how to practice it. Find out how to do mindfulness exercises and how they might benefit you. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the act of being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling at every moment — without interpretation or judgment. Spending too much time planning, problem solving, daydreaming, or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It also can make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness exercises, on the other hand, can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and engage with the world around you. What are the benefits of mindfulness exercises? Practicing mindfulness exercises can have many possible benefits, including: Reduced stress, anxiety and depression Less negative thinking and distraction Improved mood What are ways to p

9 ways to tame anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

9 ways to tame anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has brought shock, confusion, disbelief and an array of opinions on what people were up against. At first, Americans saw other countries struggling to keep up with the increasing numbers of ill people and the medical systems not having the resources to help enough people at the same time. While the U.S. hoped this would not be its story, COVID-19 has become an intense battle here, as well. Impact on anxiety levels For many people, anxiety is high as a result of the pandemic. This is not all bad. Anxiety and fear are natural protectors of people's lives. These responses trigger the fight-or-flight response that motivates people to act in the primitive sense — usually to run or fight. This response has kept humans alive for generations despite many dangers in this world. However, an unknown or not easily understood danger can increase people's anxiety. These reasons lead many people to seek understanding,

7 tips to live a happier life

7 tips to live a happier life Do you wake up feeling sluggish most mornings? Have caffeinated beverages become a necessity to help power you through the day? If this sounds familiar, it's time to ditch the quick fixes you rely on, and develop an energy management plan. Getting started may seem daunting, but soon you'll be energized to keep going once you reap the benefits of a happier, healthier and more productive lifestyle. What is energy management? Think of your energy as a limited resource, like money in an account. You begin the day with a certain amount to spend, which varies from person to person based on factors, such as age, sleep, stress levels, medical conditions and lifestyle. Throughout your day, multiple transactions (activities) occur as you withdraw energy from and deposit energy into your account. While you may not always have control over activities that deplete your energy, you can take steps to deposit more energy into your account. Follow these 7 tips to