Our brain is networked by thousands of nerve pathways, which control our entire body and mind. A very central messenger substance, dopamine, is responsible for one of the most wonderful of our feelings, happiness. But how does this feeling arise and what influences or inhibits the formation of dopamine?
Body and psyche are equally controlled or influenced by the messenger substance dopamine. Its effect unfolds in the brain, which then forms a mixture of the stress hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine. Signals that dopamine sends back and forth between the neural pathways in the brain control a number of physical and mental processes that take place in our organism. For example, it affects fine motor skills, movement patterns, but also very centrally our sense of well-being, feelings of happiness and stress, concentration, and courage to face life.
The feeling of happiness that we experience when dopamine is released is most likely to be felt when we spend time on activities that are good for us. For example, a lot of dopamine is produced when we eat, have sex or on a beautiful spring day, and especially during a period of being in love. However, since the neurotransmitter also consists of the stress hormone adrenaline, we may also feel pure happiness during a roller coaster ride or vigorous physical activity. Thrills and happiness are very close to each other in this respect.
The reward system in our brain, which is under the influence of dopamine, is very important to our organism. It drives us, gives us courage to face life and also keeps us physically healthy. A lack of dopamine can have bad and far-reaching consequences, such as fatigue, memory loss, trembling or sweating, but it can also lead to depression. Dopamine is therefore virtually essential for survival and in the best case makes us the person we are, happy and healthy!
Citation
- Karina Athmann (23.11.21): Das Glückshormon Dopamin − natürlich besser fühlen. Abgerufen am 26.02.22. https://www.brain-effect.com/magazin/dopamin-glueckshormon.
- Kristina Klement (25.10.2021): Dopamin: Wirkung und Mangel des Glückshormons. Gesundheit.de. Abgerufen am 26.02.22. https://www.gesundheit.de/krankheiten/psyche-und-sucht/dopamin.