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Yoga based on Science and Brain Chemistry

Writer's picture: Travis HobbsTravis Hobbs

At YogaYew in Daylesford and Hepburn in our private and corporate classes we're introducing more science-backed yoga practices and focusing on Brain Chemistry. In this article we explore how using Yoga, Mindfullness and Gratitude during our practice we can focus on the Happy Brain Chemicals.


**Unlocking Happiness: Understanding the Power of DOSE**


Happiness is often considered a state of mind, but science reveals that it's more than just a mental phenomenon. The feeling of joy, satisfaction, and contentment is deeply connected to the release of four key brain chemicals: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins—collectively known as DOSE. These neurochemicals are responsible for triggering feelings of pleasure, bonding, mood stability, and pain relief, playing a significant role in our overall well-being. By incorporating activities such as yoga, mindfulness, gratitude, exercise, and positive affirmations, you can naturally stimulate these chemicals, enhancing your mental and physical health. Here's how each chemical works and how you can trigger their release.


Dopamine: The Anticipation Molecule


Dopamine is often referred to as the "reward chemical" because it’s released when we anticipate something pleasurable. It's not the act of receiving the reward that spikes dopamine, but rather the expectation of it. For example, when you order your favorite meal, dopamine levels rise in anticipation of eating it. Similarly, setting and achieving small goals triggers dopamine release, motivating you to continue seeking out rewards.


Yoga and mindfulness practices are excellent ways to boost dopamine. These activities encourage you to focus on the present while also looking forward to achieving a sense of calm and well-being. Completing a challenging yoga pose or mastering a meditation technique can create the sense of achievement that dopamine thrives on. By setting small, manageable goals, you can tap into dopamine’s power to motivate and reward.


Oxytocin: The Bonding Hormone


Often called the "love hormone," oxytocin fosters social bonding, trust, and empathy. It’s the neurochemical that helps form close relationships and creates feelings of attachment. Oxytocin is released through physical touch, such as hugging or holding hands, but it also spikes when we practice kindness and express gratitude.


Mindfulness and gratitude exercises help trigger oxytocin by making you more aware of your relationships and encouraging positive social interactions. A simple gratitude practice, where you take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, can increase feelings of connection and warmth. Acts of kindness, such as helping a friend or volunteering, can also stimulate oxytocin, improving your sense of community and belonging.


Serotonin: The Mood Stabilizer


Serotonin regulates mood, helping to stabilize emotions and combat feelings of anxiety and depression. While 80% of serotonin is produced in the gut, it also plays a key role in the brain’s reward and mood regulation systems. Low serotonin levels are often linked to feelings of irritability and sadness, while higher levels correlate with confidence and emotional resilience.


Exercise, especially aerobic activities like running or cycling, has been shown to boost serotonin. Yoga also promotes serotonin release by increasing your body’s ability to handle stress and enhancing your overall mood. Positive affirmations are another way to enhance serotonin levels by boosting self-esteem and reinforcing feelings of worthiness and accomplishment.


Endorphins: The Body’s Natural Painkillers


Endorphins are your body’s natural pain relievers. These chemicals are released in response to pain or stress, but they are also triggered during pleasurable activities such as exercise, laughter, and even eating certain foods. Endorphins help mask discomfort, giving you a sense of euphoria often referred to as a "runner’s high."


Physical exercise, particularly high-intensity workouts, is one of the best ways to stimulate endorphins. Yoga can also release endorphins, especially when combined with deep breathing exercises that calm the nervous system. Additionally, laughter and joyful social interactions are excellent ways to boost endorphin levels, helping you to feel happier and more at ease.


Bringing it All Together: DOSE Your Way to Happiness


The combination of dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins can create powerful feelings of happiness and fulfillment. While these chemicals can be artificially stimulated through medications or substances, natural methods such as yoga, mindfulness, gratitude, exercise, and positive affirmations provide long-lasting and holistic benefits. By making these practices a regular part of your life, you can take control of your brain chemistry and unlock a sustainable source of happiness.


Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can elevate your mood, strengthen your relationships, improve your physical health, and ultimately lead to a happier, more balanced life. So why not start today and DOSE yourself with happiness?




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