Thanks to Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD for the best overview of what makes our brain happy. In her book and short presentation provided by Psychology Today, Dr. Graziano Breuning illustrates the roles Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphin play in our happiness.
Dopamine: The awesome feeling you experience from:
- Achieving something
- Meeting your needs
- The expectation of getting or earning something you really love
Serotonin: The splendid feeling you experience from:
- Being important
- Others recognizing you as an expert
- Having social status such as education
Oxytocin: The cool feeling you experience from:
- Being trusted
- Being accepted and cherished in your groups
- Knowing there is certainty in your relationships
Endorphin: The momentary euphoria you experience from
- Laughter and joy
- Exercise and excitement
- Listening to music we love
