Our brain doesn’t release a happy chemical until it sees a way to meet a survival need, like food, safety, and social support. And then, you only get a quick spurt before your brain returns to neutral so it’s ready for the next “sur- vival opportunity.” is is why you feel up and down. It’s nature’s operating system!
Dopamine produces the joy of finding things that meet your needs—the “Eureka! I got it!” feeling.
Endorphin produces oblivion that masks pain—often called euphoria.
Oxytocin produces the feeling of being safe with others— now called bonding.
Serotonin produces the feeling of being respected by others—pride.
Happy chemicals are controlled by tiny brain structures that all mammals have in common: the hippocampus, amygdala, pituitary, hypothalamus, and other parts collectively known as the limbic system. e human limbic system is surrounded by a huge cortex.
Dopamine produces the joy of finding things that meet your needs—the “Eureka! I got it!” feeling.
Endorphin produces oblivion that masks pain—often called euphoria.
Oxytocin produces the feeling of being safe with others— now called bonding.
Serotonin produces the feeling of being respected by others—pride.
Happy chemicals are controlled by tiny brain structures that all mammals have in common: the hippocampus, amygdala, pituitary, hypothalamus, and other parts collectively known as the limbic system. e human limbic system is surrounded by a huge cortex.