Play and the Feel Good Hormones

How To Boost The Happy Hormones

Play and the Feel Good Hormones

There are chemical and biological reasons why the act of play makes you feel better. Even 30 minutes of play can unlock powerful feel-good hormones and change the way the brain responds to the signals it receives. These feel-good hormones – endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA - are the key to some incredible mental health benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, greater happiness and a feeling of being more alive.

Endorphins

Every time you play, your body releases chemicals known as endorphins that interact with pleasure and pain receptors in your brain. If you’ve ever experienced a “runner’s high” after a particularly good workout, that’s the result of powerful endorphins being released in your brain. Endorphins can make you feel more positive and energize your outlook, and may even help to block sources of pain in your everyday life. They even improve immune response and reduce stress. Through vigorous, active play, then, you can boost your self-esteem and even trigger a euphoric outlook on life.

Oxytocin

Also known as the “love hormone”, the “hug hormone” or the “touch hormone”, oxytocin is a powerful brain neurotransmitter that helps you build more powerful relationships with others. In fact, Stanford University researchers have found that any activity that causes people to bond to one another – such as hugging or playing together – releases oxytocin. Even the act of recognizing familiar faces in a group setting might be enough to trigger oxytocin. So, if you’re looking for more trust and stability in your relationships, it’s time to explore play that involves physical touch with other humans. Games such as Primal Play Tag for instance.

Dopamine

Dopamine, usually referred to as the “reward drug” is a powerful feel-good hormone that provides a boost of pleasure and contributes to happiness, enhanced cognitive ability and improved ability to learn and pay attention. The one caveat here is that too much of dopamine may be a bad thing, given that dopamine is also linked to addictive behaviours such as gambling and drug use. The bigger picture, though, is that any form of play can act as a strong reward mechanism for the brain. The more you play, the more you want to play, creating a strong positive feedback mechanism for changing your life.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that impacts your mood, ability to sleep, memory and learning. It’s most popularly linked to preventing depression especially when linked to being active outdoors. That’s because researchers have found that an imbalance in serotonin levels can lead to negative moods, including anxiety and panic, as well as depression. By engaging in play, however, you can balance your body’s serotonin levels in a natural way that helps to protect you from the impact of stress and negative stimuli in your environment.

Norepinephrine

Play can increase norepinephrine levels, which can enhance attention, alertness, and focus. Norepinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is involved in the body's "fight or flight" response. It plays a role in increasing alertness, attention, and focus. During active play, the release of norepinephrine can help improve cognitive function and increase energy levels, making it easier to focus and stay alert. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of fatigue, depression, or anxiety, as an increase in norepinephrine levels can help alleviate these symptoms.

Additionally, norepinephrine has been shown to enhance memory and learning, making active play an important aspect of maintaining brain health. By stimulating the release of norepinephrine, active play can help improve overall cognitive function and promote mental well-being.

GABA

GABA, or Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, is a neurotransmitter that promotes calm and relaxation. It is responsible for reducing anxiety and stress levels in the body, and also has a role in regulating sleep patterns. Engaging in active play has been shown to stimulate the release of GABA, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Studies have shown that physical activity and play can have a similar effect on the brain as anti-anxiety medications, and that increased GABA levels in the brain can lead to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced sleep quality. Additionally, play can help individuals manage feelings of anxiety or stress by providing a positive outlet for excess energy and emotions.

***

Researchers have found that the state of play helps to stimulate all six of these powerful feel-good hormones – endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA and serotonin. It’s no wonder, then, that play can produce so many positive mental health effects. Warding off depression or living a happier life may be as simple as going out to play in the park or outdoor activities such as spending an aimless day at the beach, or simply playing with friends, incorporating active play into one's daily routine can help improve mental health and enhance overall quality of life.

---

RELATED POSTS:

---