"Attending regularly to our own happiness is a loving gift to ourselves. Life is not and cannot always be joyful, but having joy matters. Amid complex, demanding, stressful lives, we can find ways to seek out some moments of pleasure. Happiness doesn't mean always getting what we want; in fact, struggle and effort towards a goal can sometimes result in some of the best kinds of positivity surges."
"I am highlighting the DOSES acronym to inspire five daily choices that can improve mood now and into the future. I will be using and modifying the DOSE framework introduced by neuroscientist T.J. Power in his book, The DOSE Effect: Small Habits to Boost Your Brain Chemistry (2025). He used the acronym to reference the four major chemicals in our brains that influence our happiness: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins."
Regular attention to personal happiness provides a loving gift and enables finding moments of pleasure amid complex, demanding, stressful lives. Happiness does not require constant desire-fulfillment; struggle and effort toward meaningful goals can trigger strong positive surges, and unexpected small delights also lift mood. Daily inclusion of intentional happiness opportunities is key to maintaining and building well-being. A DOSES framework links daily habits to the brain chemicals Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, with an added fifth category to expand options for boosting mood. Releasing these neurochemicals supports the nervous, immune, and internal organ systems, enhancing mindset, mood, resilience, and overall health.
Read at Psychology Today
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