IT’S A WHOLE DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS STORY THIS YEAR
The holiday season is normally a hormonally disruptive time of the year. But this year, it’s stress with all the trimmings. Gingerbread men are driving you mad, and Jack Frost is in a nipping frenzy. And while Santa’s Workshop is considered an essential business, many elves are in quarantine, so you’re more on your own than ever. But hold on to your chestnuts. There’s a bright side to it all; “Happy Hormones.” While some hormones can make mincemeat of your holidays, Happy Hormones can put you in the holiday spirit by helping to promote positive feelings, including happiness and pleasure. We’re talking about serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine.
PEACE ON EARTH AND IN YOUR MIND
SEROTONIN is the feel-good hormone, a natural mood stabilizer that helps calm your mind to make you feel less anxious and more emotionally stable. A serotonin deficiency can cause depression, lack of worth, and a sense of isolation. Which gives a whole new meaning to that holiday favorite, “Home Alone.” Get that serotonin going by watching Miracle on 34th Street for the 100th time. It always feels great.
TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY
OXYTOCIN is the love hormone. Oxytocin levels generally increase with physical affection like kissing and cuddling. Oxytocin is also released when you feel safe and protected. Deficiencies can make it hard to feel affection. There is a lack of enjoyment from social interactions. Which many of us aren’t able to have with all that’s going on anyway. Elbow bumps and virtual hugs aren’t quite the same, but be generous with them wherever you can.
MOVE AND BE MERRY
ENDORPHINS are often referred to as the runner’s hormone. They act as our body’s natural narcotics and painkiller. In addition to masking pain, endorphins are the surging “second wind “and euphoric “runner’s high” you can get during and after vigorous physical activity. When levels are balanced, you get a happy high whatever you do. When levels are low, anxiety and rage can raise their ugly heads. So get some sun, get some exercise, and don’t give in to an indoor slump.
GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE HORMONE ELVES
DOPAMINE is the motivation hormone. Sort of like your body’s “carrot,” helping you focus and get things done. Like getting through your endless holiday list of “to-do’s,” not to mention your kid’s endless lists of “gotta have.” Healthy levels also give you a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving any goals you set. So bake those cookies and trim that tree. Don’t let “requires some assembly” send you to pieces.
DO A LITTLE DANCE WITH THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRIES
“Happy” may seem a little harder to get with “stay at home” at the helm of the holiday. But there are things you can do to keep the jingle in your bells:
- Listen to music.
- Go TikTok crazy.
- YouTube every cute animal video your heart desires.
- Take a bath. Take a glass of wine with you.
- Have a virtual ugly sweater contest.
- Light your Kwanzaa candles with joy
- Make your latkes the lightest ever.
- Tell people you care about how much you care about them.
- Enjoy giving.
- Enjoy getting lots of zzzzz’s
Make a list of all the things that could make you happy during the holidays, all things considered.
And make sure your hormone levels are where they are supposed to be.
DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HAPPY HORMONES
When your Happy Hormones–or for that matter, any of your hormones–aren’t too happy because they’re out of balance, wishing on a star can’t help you when it comes to getting them back where they’re supposed to be. But getting them checked at Thrive Health Solutions absolutely can. The medical professionals at Thrive can keep unbalanced hormones from taking your body hostage and the Ho Ho Ho out of your holidays. With simple tests, the experts at Thrive can pinpoint any hormone deficiencies you may have and create a unique treatment plan tailored just for you. Think of it like a present that fits perfectly. Make sure there’s plenty of magic in your holidays, and have some Happy Hormones. They’re truly the gift that keeps on giving. Call or text Thrive Health Solutions for an appointment now.
