It's just chemistry, you know what to do!
Four things you should know about Reward, Love, Mood and Sleep
Do you spend hours working intensely?
Do you play with a baby?
Do you run and walk in nature?
Do you eat and sleep well?
Whatever you do each day, you play well with four important realms of chemical wisdom.
All chemical reactions? No, God no, I am more than that! I’m a professional, a parent, a poet, a creature of habits. And much more…
Of course, you are, but four substances might open your eyes to what you do every day... you produce, produce, produce….
… hormones — to be precise.
Dopamine: The Reward Chemical
You complete tasks, eat, celebrate little wins, and care for yourself. You even use essential oils in a vaporiser.
All you do is stimulate the production of dopamine!
Dopamine is often referred to as the "reward chemical" because it plays a crucial role in our brain's reward system. It is responsible for feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. When you achieve a goal, whether as small as finishing a task or as big as receiving a promotion, dopamine is released, making you feel good about your accomplishment.
It is dopamine that drives you to seek out experiences that bring pleasure and avoid those that cause discomfort. This chemical encourages you to repeat behaviours that lead to rewards, reinforcing habits over time.
Oxytocin: The Love Hormone
You play with a dog, compliment someone, hold hands, hug, and use essential oils again.
All you do is stimulate the production of oxytocin!
Although oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone," plays a significant role in sexual reproduction, breastfeeding and childbirth, it also strengthens bonds between parents, children and friends.
It is oxytocin that enhances social interactions and trust. It reduces stress and anxiety, making social interactions more enjoyable and meaningful.
Serotonin: The Mood Stabilizer
You pray, walk in nature, run, sunbathe, cycle, swim, and use essential oils…
All you do is stimulate the production of serotonin.
Serotonin is a key hormone stabilising our mood, well-being, and happiness. It also helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion. This neurotransmitter is essential for maintaining a balanced mood and is often linked to feelings of contentment and calm.
Low serotonin levels are often associated with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Conversely, sufficient levels contribute to feelings of happiness and emotional stability.
Melatonin: The Sleep Hormone
You dim your lights at night, reduce screen time, expose yourself to the sun, eat well, relax, and use essential oils in your burner.
All you do is stimulate the production of melatonin.
Melatonin is known as the "sleep hormone" because it regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Produced by the pineal gland in the brain, it is released in response to darkness, signalling to your body that it is time to sleep.
Proper levels of melatonin are essential for quality sleep, which in turn affects your mood, energy levels, and overall health.
Balancing the Poetry of Chemicals
So, you know that the poetry of life is not always straightforward (although the knowledge that poets you read suffered from depression, doesn’t comfort you!)
Here is a list of our favourites:
Edgar Allen Poe,
Sylvia Plath,
Emily Dickinson,
Dylan Thomas,
Thomas Roethke,
Jack Kerouac,
Allen Ginsberg,
John Keats,
Rainer Maria Rilke,
Siegfried Sassoon,
Charlotte Mew,
Charles Bukowski,
Anne Sexton,
Tennessee Williams,
János Piliinsky,
Ernest Hemingway,
Charles Baudelaire,
Bob Dylan,
Geoffrey Hill,
Samuel Johnson,
Les Murray,
Walt Whitman,
William Carlos Williams,
Lord Byron
I would better not go into other artists!
The key point is: We need to use reasons to positively influence our daily lives. The four chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and melatonin—are within our reach to enhance our well-being. By understanding how they function, we can take proactive steps to improve our overall quality of life.
Yes, you are more than just a collection of chemical reactions. However, by understanding and stimulating the production of these chemicals, you can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life as a poet, parent, thinker or worker.
So, produce, produce and produce even more!
Ps: Here are some practical tips worth remembering:
Engage in activities that you enjoy,
Celebrate small achievements
Set and achieve small goals,
Exercise regularly,
Ensure a diet rich in tyrosine (an amino acid found in foods like almonds, bananas, and avocados), tryptophan (like eggs, cheese, and turkey), and melatonin (like cherries and walnuts),
Do not avoid physical touch (hugs, holding hands),
Spend time with loved ones,
Practice kindness,
Play with pets,
Expose to the sunlight.