It can be overwhelming to be thrust back into the grind!
We’ve all been back at work for almost 3 months now (after hopefully having a relaxing Chrissy break), and for most, it’s gone by in a blur of activity. After a blissful period of relaxation and family time, it can be overwhelming to be thrust back into the grind. And while it’s great to hit the ground running, it’s also no wonder that people often feel a little overloaded. We want to get the best out of ourselves and those around us, so avoiding negative impacts on our physical and mental health is a great strategy.
So, this is the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and dig into the nitty-gritty! Knowing what makes us tick allows us to craft clever solutions to bring out our inner champion in record time. If we take the time to understand our neurotransmitters’ critical role in regulating our mood, cognition, behaviour, and physiological processes. We can manage a simple strategy to significantly help our mental health and get us back to our best in no time.
Several neurotransmitters and hormones are essential in regulating mood, behaviour, and physiological processes in the brain and body. These neurotransmitters and hormones often interact with each other in complex ways, and any system imbalance or dysfunction can significantly affect our physical and mental health.
When we complete a task, dopamine is released in the brain!
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system and has a significant role in motivation and the completion of tasks. When we complete a task, especially one that requires effort and concentration, dopamine is released in the brain, creating feelings of satisfaction and reward. It helps us to feel a sense of accomplishment and encourages us to continue engaging in activities that promote our well-being and success.
The best way to get started is by identifying the critical tasks that need to be done and focusing on completing those first. This will help you to feel more in control of your workload and reduce stress levels. Delegate some tasks to others, where possible, to lighten your workload and free up time to focus on the essentials. It’s important to complete your essential tasks before moving on to something new.
Oxytocin also has effects on the brain and behaviour. It is involved in regulating social behaviour and emotions, such as trust, empathy, and generosity. Oxytocin has been shown to increase feelings of trust between individuals and plays a role in reducing anxiety and stress.
It’s as easy as slowing your breathing down!
Practising mindful breathing is a fantastic way to promote oxytocin release and reduce stress. It’s as easy as slowing your breathing down and focusing on the present moment. This simple strategy can be practised anywhere and anytime, making it a valuable tool for managing stress and anxiety throughout the day.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. It is commonly known as the “feel-good” hormone because it promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. It also regulates social behaviour and can play a role in anxiety and depression.
The best way to optimise your serotonin levels is by undertaking regular physical activity and consuming a diet rich in whole foods (such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains) and low in processed foods and sugar. Sunlight exposure has also been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, so spending time outside, particularly in the morning or early afternoon, can help promote serotonin production.
Spending time with people who make you laugh can definitely help boost endorphins!
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that can produce feelings of euphoria and well-being. They are released in response to pleasurable experiences such as laughter. Research has found that when we laugh, endorphins are released in the brain, creating a natural “high” that can help to alleviate stress and improve mood. Furthermore, endorphins have been found to promote social bonding, which may be one reason why laughter is often experienced in social contexts. So, spending time with people who make you laugh or engaging in activities that bring you joy can definitely help boost endorphins.
The truth is that no matter who you are, life can be hard sometimes, and there’s no one-size fits all solution to getting the best out of ourselves and those around us. However, it’s reassuring to know that taking a few positive steps can improve our mental health and ensure we get back to our best. Understanding how our moods, behaviour, and physiological processes are linked allows us to create effective mental health strategies to help us recover.
Now grab a cup of your favourite tea, breathe deeply, and make sure you take proper care of yourself – because you deserve it!
This article appeared in New Zealand Printer in March 2023