Then let it be Muggles, Wizards, Normal folks, Scientists, Philosophers, Kids, business CEOs, or that couch potato munching on Oreos (that’s me btw), We all are in a constant search – The Quest for Happiness.

• What exactly makes us happy?
• Is it the fulfillment of desires?
• The pursuit of goals?
• The wizarding wand of Harry Potter?
• The Adventure of Bilbo Baggins?
• Slaying a dragon perhaps?
• or something deeper within our brains?

Do you remember when Professor Dumbledore said: “But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”

Well turns out, The light he was referring to, was the chemicals in our brains responsible for happiness.

Let us dive into the class of that weird professor who loves to make Happiness potions if not elixir. (just a wordplay haha, there is no such thing as a sure formula or potion or elixir for that matter- just basic chemistry underlying).

Without further due, Into our ingredients……

The Neurotransmitters of Joy

At the heart of happiness lie neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that relay signals (messages) between neurons in our brains. Four key neurotransmitters play crucial roles in shaping our emotional experiences:

1. Dopamine
2. Endorphin
3. Serotonin
4. Oxytocin
5. Cortisol (A hormone)- takes up space when these neurotransmitters are running low

Together these 5 make up the very basis of our happiness.

Hey Hey Hey!!!!

Don’t you worry if these are the words you are listening to for the first time or might have heard but are not certain as to what they mean. Everything is under control. I have kept everything very simple and comprehensive.

REMEMBER: While these neurotransmitters play numerous roles beyond just balancing our happiness, and typically interact with various other chemicals, this article will focus on their specific connection to joy.

For those unfamiliar with basic Neuroscience terminology, I recommend reading “Understanding the Brain (Part 1). You will thank me later.

Our brains were designed from the very beginning to work based on the following:

1. making sure our “gene survival”
2. Our early behavior Storehouse

Brain makes sure that all our actions help ensure our survival. It stores all experiences we have gone through in a memory database which is later used to mark the events as either “threat to our survival” or “good for our survival“.

Happiness hence can be classified as a feeling when:

• The brain successfully avoids a threat.
• The brain successfully acquires a “Good for Survival” experience.

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Building Circuits

Our core circuits are built by the age of 7. However, in Adolescence, the process continues as the body is getting primed for mating to ensure its gene survival.

REMEMBER: The circuits that are used over and over again, get permanent whilst those that are not used get Atrophied.

The science behind this lies in Myelin, a white coating that develops on frequently used neurons, making impulse transmission more efficient and fast. This is why, when upset, you might reach for snacks or a movie, or you find your hands instinctively rise-up in the air, upon receiving good news.

Much of this myelination occurs before the age of two, as the body prepares for potential threats and survival. Early experiences have a profound impact on your life. For example, someone with a phobia of elevators may trace it back to a childhood incident when they were trapped and experienced a near-death situation. The brain marked that experience with “elevator” as a threat, leading to avoidance or extreme fear in similar situations later in life.

This process of myelination is also why children are so adept at learning new languages, while adults find it much more challenging. The myelination process slows significantly in adulthood. We will explore this concept in greater detail later on.

Exploring Our Happy Neurotransmitters

Now, let’s take a closer look at our happy neurotransmitters one-by-one.

Dopamine- The Thrill of Chase & Joy of Catch!

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It is the “EUREKA!” moment as Dr. Loretta Graziano Breuning calls it in her book: Habits of a Happy Brain.

Dopamine is in the joy of finding what you seek. It motivates you to get what you need. It tells the body where to invest its energy (The investment is on the things that ensure survival rather than the ones you already have in possession) and where to conserve energy for future use.

For our ancestors, survival depended on hunting for food and protecting themselves from wild animals. These activities triggered dopamine. In today’s world, where our immediate survival needs are typically met, our brains now links social rewards to our survival, and thus dopamine is triggered by social achievements.

These social rewards are not easily attained; for instance, it takes years of hard work and dedication to become a surgeon or a rockstar. The feeling of happiness you experience when you achieve these goals is a result of dopamine.

However, once you acquire what you’ve sought after, the dopamine-induced happiness tends to fade. This is because the body conserves energy for future rewards, leading to a decrease in the intensity of joy associated with the same achievement. Additionally, as you satisfy one desire, new desires emerge, and the same level of dopamine is no longer sufficient to elicit the same level of happiness.

Small potential reward = Small Dopamine surge

Big potential reward = Big Dopamine surge

Let’s examine the dynamic of computer games. The accumulation of points in these games is often linked to social rewards, triggering a release of dopamine when achieved. This dopamine rush fuels the desire for more, driving players to pursue the next level and beyond. It’s this seek-and-reward mechanism that makes games addictive.

Dopamine- The flip side

However, if you expect this happiness to last or remain constant, you’ll likely be disappointed. Expectations, such as winning a gold medal in the Olympics, can lead to either fulfillment or disappointment.

When expectations are met, dopamine floods the system, bringing joy and satisfaction. But when they’re not, cortisol, often termed the “stress hormone,” kicks in. It generates a sense of unease, signaling that something is wrong and urging the body to take action to alleviate the threat—whether it be physical or emotional.

In response to this feeling of alarm, the body seeks immediate sources of happiness. These often manifest as behaviors or substances that have been linked to pleasure in the past. For example, if you received a bad grade and felt down, you might have turned to ice cream for comfort. Though it didn’t resolve the underlying issue, the temporary relief it provided was enough to soothe your cortisol alarm, reinforcing the connection between ice cream and happiness in your brain. This is why, in similar situations in the future, your brain may instinctively guide you to seek out ice cream as a source of comfort.

It’s crucial to recognize that experiencing a dip in dopamine is inevitable. This dip marks the beginning of a potentially vicious cycle, wherein you may feel compelled to avoid the dip altogether, leading to resistance against the cortisol-induced feeling of unease.

In essence, dopamine is the engine that drives us forward—the exhilarating thrill of the chase. Once we experience it, we crave more, propelling us to overcome obstacles, persevere, and work tirelessly toward our goals, whether it’s becoming a surgeon, a rockstar, or anything else we aspire to be. When we don’t get it, the feeling of disappointment fills us up with Cortisol, our brain urging us to get rid of this alarming situation.

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Oxytocin- Happiness of Bonding & Trust

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Oxytocin, often referred to as the “trust hormone,” is the feeling of security and comfort experienced in the presence of others. It embodies the essence of social alliance and the profound impact of trust in human relationships. Mammals instinctively seek safety in numbers, forming herds or groups to ward off potential threats. In such settings, oxytocin is released, fostering a sense of protection and belonging. This primal instinct for safety in numbers echoes the survival strategies of our ancestors, who relied on collective strength as hunters and gatherers. Today, we still yearn for the camaraderie and security of being part of a group, whether it’s a familiar crowd, a supportive political affiliation, or simply the reassuring touch of a loved one. This innate need for social connection underscores the role of oxytocin in shaping our sense of security and well-being.

When separated from our social group, our bodies dial down oxytocin production to allow for receptiveness to new information and prevent blind trust in unfamiliar individuals. In states of heightened oxytocin, we tend to overlook past disappointments and focus more on the positive aspects of our relationships. Conversely, when oxytocin levels are low, past disappointments loom larger in our minds.

Oxytocin- The flip side

However, there’s a flip side to this dynamic. When we crave oxytocin, we may tolerate criticism, harassment, or negative behavior from others simply to maintain a sense of belonging. While being part of a group may not always bring happiness, it can create a feeling of safety and trust, keeping cortisol levels in check and shielding us from perceived threats.

This phenomenon can lead to the formation of gangs or contribute to conditions like battered spouse syndrome, where individuals endure harmful relationships in pursuit of oxytocin-induced security. People naturally seek out trust from those they believe will reciprocate it, leading to the formation of social circles based on shared experiences and common traits, such as drinkers bonding with drinkers or shoppers with shoppers. This innate desire for connection underscores the powerful influence of oxytocin on our social behaviors and relationships.

Vicious cycle onsets when you crave this oxytocin and overlook threats. Trust is nice but too much trust threatens survival

• Consider a young adult who relies entirely on social media influencers for validation and self-worth, shaping their identity and aspirations based solely on the curated images and messages they encounter online.
• Envision an employee who unquestioningly places all their faith in a manipulative colleague, allowing them to control and influence their career choices without considering the potential consequences.

Oxytocin serves as the glue that binds us together, fostering feelings of attachment, safety, and protection from potential threats. While the comfort and contentment provided by oxytocin are essential for our well-being, it’s equally vital to embrace the discomfort and challenges that lie outside of familiar territory. Striking a balance between seeking security in bonds and venturing into the unknown is key to personal development and resilience.

Endorphins- The Runner’s High

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Endorphins, often associated with a euphoric sensation, serve as a natural painkiller that enables us to push through challenging circumstances. This mechanism is a vital survival strategy, allowing us to temporarily override pain and discomfort to reach safety. The rush of happiness induced by endorphins, colloquially known as a “runner’s high” or experienced after a cathartic cry or intense exercise, underscores their role in resilience and perseverance.

However, there’s a crucial caveat: endorphins are only released when we surpass our limits, typically in moments of distress or struggle. While this response can help us navigate adversity, relying solely on endorphins to cope with difficulties can impair our ability to make sound survival decisions. It’s essential to recognize that while endorphins provide temporary relief, they are not a sustainable solution for long-term problem-solving.

In today’s world, threats often manifest in the form of social disappointments rather than physical dangers like being chased by a lion. To stimulate the release of endorphins, one must endure increasing levels of pain compared to previous experiences. Without this escalation, there’s a decline in endorphin production, leading to the activation of cortisol—the body’s stress hormone. Living with this natural fluctuation in happy chemicals is a fundamental aspect of human experience.

Some individuals seek synthetic endorphins through substances like heroin, oxycodone, or morphine, as they offer euphoric sensations without the need for physical exertion or enduring pain. However, this shortcut undermines the body’s natural reward system, leading to the deterioration of the brain’s natural pathways for happiness. With each subsequent dose, the need for a higher quantity increases, resulting in a deep spiral of dependency and addiction. It’s a dangerous cycle that hijacks the brain’s natural mechanisms and can have devastating long-term consequences.

Serotonin- The sense of pride & Social Significance

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This is the sensation of pride, rooted in the acknowledgment of respect and social significance within the hierarchy of dominance. Throughout evolution, ascending this hierarchy provided mammals with increased access to vital resources, such as food and mates, essential for survival. In contemporary society, this drive persists, often manifesting in relentless social comparisons and pursuits to reach the pinnacle of success.

Interestingly, while we readily recognize this trait in others, we often shy away from acknowledging it within ourselves. Instead, we may cloak it under the guise of self-confidence, self-respect, or justified entitlement. However, beneath these veneers lies the innate desire for recognition and validation, ingrained within us from our evolutionary past.

Serotonin- The flip side

If you expect to be the master of the universe, constantly surrounded by praise and admiration, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment—a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. Serotonin, often referred to as the “Status molecule,” is released when we feel respected and acknowledged for our achievements. However, when this validation is lacking, serotonin levels plummet, triggering the onset of cortisol and an unsettling sense that something is amiss.

The pursuit of dominance can lead to behaviors such as belittling others, exploiting subordinates, or enforcing rigid hierarchies within communities. Even minor setbacks in receiving respect can profoundly impact serotonin levels, causing us to feel diminished despite our overall well-being. Moreover, witnessing the success of others, especially when our own accomplishments are overlooked, can exacerbate these feelings of inadequacy.

While the euphoria of high serotonin can make us feel on top of the world, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of balancing these highs with the inevitable lows. Living with the fluctuations in serotonin levels is an inherent aspect of our biological design, reminding us to seek fulfillment beyond external validation and to cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

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In A Nut Shell

• All 4 neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins, and Oxytocin) are active to make us happy, but their innate purpose is to either avoid threats or Promote Survival.
• All 4 can take a toll towards the negative side of the spectrum, either too much or too low.
• Your childhood neural circuitry has set the basis for what you take as a threat or survival, in short, what makes you happy and sad. (New circuitry can be made- we will talk about this in the next article)
• In the absence of these chemicals or facing disappointments in attaining them, Cortisol flows which urges you to do something, to get out of this situation- which we call sadness, anxiety, stress, and feeling low.

Our Happiness is tied to . . . .

In today’s world, where physical survival is less of a concern compared to social survival, our happiness is often tied to social factors. This is what our brain takes as actual threats to survival or pormotion of survival as now we do not have lions chasing us out of jungles.

It’s essential to recognize that experiencing fluctuations in these neurotransmitters is a natural part of life. Constantly chasing after these chemicals can lead to a detrimental cycle, leaving us feeling worse off in the long run.

Cortisol – A Villain?

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Now, let’s address cortisol. Is it really as bad as it’s often portrayed?

Cortisol acts as an emergency alarm, alerting us to potential or actual threats. While its primary function is to trigger the fight-or-flight response in physical threats, in today’s age, it’s more commonly associated with social threats.

Just like how cortisol prompts a gazelle to flee from a lion or motivates a mother bear to protect her cubs, it also influences human behavior in social situations. A surge of cortisol induces fear, while even a slight increase can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Understanding the role of cortisol in our lives helps us navigate the challenges of modern society more effectively.

While these four neurotransmitters play significant roles in shaping our happiness, it’s important to acknowledge that they’re just a part of a larger network of chemicals in our brains. However, focusing on these key players allows us to draw an important conclusion: it’s simply not feasible to be happy all the time. In fact, constant happiness could hinder our survival instincts and decision-making abilities.

Therefore, it becomes crucial to resist the urge to seek instant gratification when our cortisol alarm sets off. Learning to embrace the natural fluctuations in these chemicals is essential for maintaining emotional balance and avoiding the pitfalls of addiction.

• Is it possible to stay happy all the time? …………………….NO.
• Is it possible to get rid of the chemical dips? …………………….No
• Is it possible to strike a balance? …………………….Yes.
• Is it possible to use Cortisol, and take it as an Ally? …………………………..Yes.
• Is it possible to wire our neural circuitry for healthy happiness?- …………………Yes.

That being said, we will look at ways to uplift these chemicals and wire our new happiness circuits, in the next article.

Until then, Enjoy Your Chemicals!

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Further Recommendations:

• Habits of a Happy Brain | Book by Loretta Graziano Breuning
• The Role of Dopamine in Happiness and Well-Being | Article by PositivePsychology.com
• Oxytocin: The Love Hormone? | Article by Harvard Health Publishing.