<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Endocannabinoids are self-produced cannabis and were recently discovered. </li><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22442371/">Research</a> shows that humans and dogs have higher levels of endocannabinoids after running, making it a possible explanation for the runner's high.</li></ul>

Discovery of Endocannabinoids: Self-Produced Cannabis

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Collect joy triggers: Create a dedicated note called “joy triggers” on your phone and add to it every time you feel good. You will end up with a list of small sources of joy in your life.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Keep your list accessible: Ideally, your joy triggers should be simple activities that you could easily repeat any time you need to quickly improve your mood. E.g., drinking a cup of nice tea, listening to a specific song, looking at memes, going for a quick run, photos of past trips, play with your pet(s), call a close friend, dance!</li></ul>

Define your joy triggers

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">So, start building your own collection of joy triggers, and make a habit of turning to them whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">And consider sharing these little moments with others – by doing so, you’ll not only enhance your own well-being but also inspire those around you to find more joy in their daily lives.</li></ul>

Action, action, action!

Use your joy triggers to boost your mood:  Feeling down, stressed, or anxious?Instead of ignoring these feelings, try these simple tips to find joy:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Stop what you're doing</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Choose one activity from a list</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Focus on being present and mindful</li></ul>Remember, this won't solve all your problems, but it can help you get through the day!

Joy Triggers cycle

There are two ways to define your joy triggers — retroactively or in the moment:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Retroactively: Sit down and remember all the times you felt happy, comfortable, or excited, and write them down. However, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614542274">research</a> suggests we tend to forget small things easily, so this method may not capture all of your joy triggers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">In the moment: Be mindful of moments that bring you joy and record them (via journal or voice notes over phone) as they happen. This method can be more effective since we more easily remember what's happening now.</li></ul>

Discovering Your Joy Triggers

There are 4 main neurochemicals that are fundamentally linked to pleasure and well-being:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Dopamine: It drives motivation and our desire for reward. It is released when we accomplish a goal or complete a task.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Serotonin: Often referred to as the "happiness molecule," serotonin helps regulate mood and is targeted by antidepressant medications.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is released during physical touch, social bonding, and positive interactions.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Endorphins: Acting as natural painkillers, they are released in response to physical activity, laughter, and other forms of pleasure.</li></ol>

The Key Neurochemicals of Happiness

The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and accessibility. No matter what challenges you face or how busy your schedule may be, there’s always an opportunity to pause and savor life’s little pleasures.

“It’s not enough to be productive. It’s not enough to be successful. I need my joy triggers. Joy triggers are not rational. Bring them into your daily life, because I really believe that it’s all a part of how we can bring balance into our life—getting joy from simple but beautiful things.”

Embracing the small, everyday pleasures and understanding your brain's happiness chemistry can transform your mood and unlock constant positivity.

Joy triggers are simple ways to feel instantly happier, such as drinking a cup of your favourite tea, listening to a specific song, or petting your dog.

Action, action, action!

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