What is Balancing Mood?

Understanding the four types of Brain Chemicals. Scientists have discovered four very important types of brain chemicals for improving mood. These chemicals are released in your brain naturally when you do things. 

The first is called serotonin, which is kind of like a "pleasure" chemical. Serotonin is released in your brain when you do activities that you find enjoyable. for example, having a bath and listening to music.

The second is called dopamine, this chemical keeps you motivated long enough to achieve your goals. Dopamine is released in your brain after you complete activities that give you a sense of reward. For example, when you finish a difficult project.

The third is a combination of chemicals known as endorphins, which reduces pain and stress levels while giving you a feeling of euphoria. Endorphins are most commonly released when you exercise.

The fourth is called oxytocin, which is your "connection" chemical. Oxytocin is released when you have a loving or supportive connection with someone. For example, when you give your friend a hug or breastfeed your child. 

The key to improving your mood is ensuring that you have a mixture of activities in your life, which boost all of these chemicals. You don't need to cram all the right activities into a day or even a week but it is helpful to be aware of those you need more of. Some activities may release more than one type of brain chemical at the same time. 

It's useful to take note of these activities as they give you the boost benefit for your time. For example, playing a team sport might give you oxytocin through your relationships with your teammates, endorphins from the exercise, and dopamine when you win or are happy with your performance.

serotonin  ｾﾚトﾆﾝ

dopamine　ドｳﾊﾟﾐｰﾝ　

endorphins　ｴﾝド-ｧﾌｨﾝｽﾞ

oxytocin　ｵｷｼトｳｼﾝ

ensure  ｲﾝシｭｱｰ　《that節》確実にする　ensure=make sure

euphoria　ﾕ-フｫ-ﾘｱ　n)短期の強い幸福･高揚感

cram　/kr'æm/　v)詰め込む　n)すし詰め

commonly  コﾒﾝﾘｰ　adv)一般的に、普通に

breastfeed　赤ちゃんに乳をのませる