Hack Your Brain Chemicals

Our brain is made up of different kinds of chemical messengers that are called neurotransmitters. Each chemical messenger has a different job. When one of our chemicals is low, it can make us feel sad, nervous, or angry. Check out how different levels of different neurotransmitters can impact how you feel and then read what simple things you can do to boost those chemicals in your brain.

What happiness looks like in your brain.

What love looks like in your brain.

What anxiety looks like in your brain.

What depression looks like in your brain.

What mania looks like in your brain.

What anger looks like in your brain.

Here are some simple things you can do to boost your brain’s happiness chemicals.

Seratonin: Mood Stabilizer

• Meditation

• Running

• Sun exposure

• Walk-in nature

• Swimming

• Cycling

• Massage

• Boost Vitamin B, D, or C

• Self-Care

• Listen to music you love

“At the first sign of me feeling low, I pull out all of my tools in my toolbox. I begin listening to all my feel-good songs. I begin sitting for a 5-minute meditation, watching funny movies, running, and taking my vitamin D, daily! I also tell my partner and best friend I am low and they help me talk through it.”

- Leslie, mom of 3

Oxytocin: Love Hormone

• Playing with a baby

• Petting a dog

• Holding hands

• Hugging family or friends

• Giving a compliment

Endorphin: Pain Killer

• Laughing

• Essential Oils

• Watch funny movies or shows

• Eat Dark Chocolate

• Exercise

Dopamine: Reward Chemical

• Completing a task

• Celebrating little wins

• Eat protein

• Exercise

• Listen to music you love

• Get some sunshine

• Work on getting the most sleep you can