The 4 Musketeers of Happiness

Written by Cheryl Chen
Edited by Daisy Hong
Cover Image by Linda Xu

With the magic of the winter holidays behind us, all that’s left is just…winter. In all their bleak, windy, and utterly freezing glory, the months of December, January, and February can be especially lumbering and depressing. Not to mention the upcoming assignments, tests, and responsibilities (ew!). All of these factors can make each day harder to trudge through, the coziness of blissful contentment harder to attain. Or, in more scientific terms, a decrease in a selection of neurotransmitters which carry chemical signals to your brain—welcome to the science of happiness, check it out. 

Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins. You may have heard the names of these four neurotransmitters in Chemistry, Psychology, or a General Science class, but what role do they play in regards to your happiness? Let’s start with serotonin. The most popular out of the four that everyone has heard of at least once; the Regina George of neurotransmitters, if you will. The name ‘serotonin’ gets thrown around a lot: “Hugging the therapy dogs is going to give me SO much serotonin”, or “My serotonin levels are at an all time low because of these assignments.” These statements are, for the most part, scientifically accurate. Serotonin levels fluctuate based on circumstance; for instance, if you’ve had a long day at school and feel particularly stressed, coming home to a cozy family dinner and cuddles from your dog can increase your serotonin levels. According to an article by Cleveland Clinic, getting more sunlight, exercise, and nutrients will also raise your serotonin levels (Cleveland Clinic). In turn, serotonin influences mood, sleep, digestion, healing, bone health, and sexual health (Cleveland Clinic). 

Next up is serotonin’s sister and best friend, dopamine. While serotonin is known as the “happiness hormone”, dopamine is often called the ‘feel-good hormone”. The name originates from the sense of pleasure, motivation, or reward that dopamine gives your brain (Cleveland Clinic). Ever wonder why TikTok and sugar are so addictive? They trigger a release of dopamine, telling your brain: “hey, this is enjoyable, let’s do it again!” When there is a balanced amount of dopamine in your brain, you will feel motivated, focused, and alert (Cleveland Clinic). However, while dopamine can increase happiness levels and positive emotions, too much of the chemical can have the opposite effect and lead to addiction. Too much results in low impulse control, difficulty falling asleep, and even jittery behavior, whereas low dopamine levels are associated with lack of motivation, constant fatigue, and problems with concentration (Cleveland Clinic). So, really, it’s about finding the chemical sweet spot. 

On the other hand, oxytocin is much more…zen. Think, the calmer sibling. Or the black cat in the duo. Oxytocin brings feelings of calm, trust, and safety (Tony Robbins). It is deeply involved in the building of relationships: platonic, romantic, or familial. When you hug your mom or hold hands with your best friend, your brain will release oxytocin. The chemical is also associated with physical contact, acts of kindness, and overall bonding between people; oxytocin is the chemical behind compassion (Tony Robbins). So next time you crave a healthy dose of oxytocin, go give your friend a hug, or tell them how much you appreciate them and their fantastic singing skills (even if they sound like a yellow rubber chicken from Walmart). 

Finally, endorphins are like the body’s natural pain reliever. They also help strengthen self-esteem and regulate stress, weight, and sleep cycles (Cleveland Clinic). Various physical activities such as hiking, running, and swimming can trigger your brain to release endorphins. Calmer options such as a massage, aromatherapy, or even a simple self-care night alone or with your friends can also increase endorphin levels (Cleveland Clinic).  

Now that we’ve met the four musketeers of happiness, go out there and trigger some happiness chemicals! Plan a relaxing weekend, finish your homework early, or go on an afternoon jog. Happiness is more attainable than you think, after all, you’ve got science to back it up. 

Works Cited

“Dopamine: What It Is, Function & Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic, 23 March 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine. Accessed 14 January 2023.

“Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 May 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins. Accessed 14 January 2023.

“Serotonin: What Is It, Function & Levels.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 March 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin. Accessed 14 January 2023.

“What brain chemical makes you feel happy?” Tony Robbins, https://www.tonyrobbins.com/mental-health/science-of-happiness/. Accessed 14 January 2023.