I have always appreciated the power of the mind. I have always known it has this amazing ability to enhance a persons experience of life, or potentially destroy them. DRAMATIC STATEMENT I know…..
Each and every day patients come into me saying, ‘You must think I’m crazy’ ‘Im so sorry I only cry when Im here.’ or ‘Im so angry, but I can’t control it’
This is not stuff most people hear on a daily if not hourly basis. But I do….
Emotions are normal, feelings are normal. And believe it or not, ‘Thinking that you are going crazy’ – Normal too. So welcome to Gordons ‘World of Mind and Fertility Craziness’, where all are welcome and all are normal.
Angry people live in an Angry World – Sad people live in a Sad World – Happy people Live in a Happy World.
Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are the quartet responsible for your motivation, productivity and happiness. And these little guys play a big part in your life and how you see your life.
Its amazing how two people can be in the same room, experience a similar situation, but see and react completely differently depending on whats happening to them internally.
Many situations in your life can trigger these neurotransmitters to flow, most of us however feel like we are in the passenger seat and not in control of whats happening. But theres good news, there are ways you can intentionally cause them to flow in your favour.
1. Dopamine.
Dopamine motivates you to take action toward your goals and gives you a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them.
The opposite is of course procrastination and self-doubt. Where life lacks enthusiasm, boredom and feeling lost. These experiences are linked with low levels of dopamine.
A great way to increase dopamine is to break you daily life into mini little goals that you can see and celebrate. So rather than one big goal. Like for example I want to get pregnant which is your finish line, you can create a series of little finish lines for frequent dopamine release. It’s crucial to actually celebrate.Treat yourself with each little mini success towards your main goal.
Create new goals before achieving your current one. That ensures a consistent pattern for experiencing dopamine. Constantly re-inforcing that ‘Dopamine Hit’.
2. Serotonin.
Serotonin flows through your body at those moments in life where you feel significant or important about what you are doing. When there is a lack of serotonin a person can feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Have you even seen unhealthy approaches to attention seeking behaviors, well that is a cry for serotonin. When doctor prescribe antidepressants, this will focus on the production of serotonin.
What I love about the brain is that it has no ability to tell the difference between a past experience and whats happening right now. So reflecting on a past achievement allows your brain to relive the experience. BOOM – Seratonin rush….. So for just one moment. Think of a time, a place in your life where you felt you could take on the world… STOP…. Don’t read on yet…. I want you to find that moment. Go on … look back through your life…. Find that time… That moment where you were experiencing a moment of pure significance….
If you need a serotonin boost during a stressful day, take a few moments to reflect on your past achievements and victories.
Another way to boost your serotonin levels is to expose yourself to the sun for 20 minutes. Your skin absorbs ultraviolet rays, which promotes Vitamin D and serotonin production. Although too much ultraviolet light isn’t good, some daily exposure is healthy for boosting your serotonin levels.
3. Oxytocin.
The release of oxytocin creates trust and strengthens relationships. It’s actually released by both men and women during intimacy and orgasm and by mums to be during childbirth. It’s often referred to as “The Hugs Hormone.” Believe it or no a very simple way to get oxytocin flowing is to give someone a hug.
Dr. Paul Zak explains that interpersonal touch not only raises oxytocin, but also reduces cardiovascular stress and improves the immune system. Rather than just a handshake, go in for the hug. Dr. Zak recommends eight hugs each day.
Gifting is a very common way to have their oxytocin levels to rise. You can strengthen work and personal relationships through a simple birthday or present.
4. Endorphins.
The body uses Endorphins in response to pain and stress, and they help to alleviate anxiety. If you ever watch runners in a marathon they might talk about the surging “second wind” and euphoric “runner’s high” when running this is as a result of endorphins flooding the body, mainly because they are just after doing 42k….. Its very similar to how morphine acts, being an analgesic and sedative, it in turn diminishing your perception of pain and wanting to ensure the person doesn’t go into shock.
Exercise and laughter are some of the easiest ways to induce endorphin through the body.
So its not just the hormones that your injecting into your body that you need to take care of. Look after your own internal hormones and life will start to settle and become a little easier for you over the next few weeks.
Chat soon. Gordon