Happiness is just a D.O.S.E. away: did you have a happy year?
Another year is coming to an end, and I’m quite sure it was an eventful one for you. In the past 350+ days, many things would have happened—some that made you happy, some that made you cry, and yet others that left you wondering what on earth just happened!
You’ve experienced a kaleidoscope of emotions in the half a million minutes that have already passed this year.
Some of those agonising minutes stretched on like hours, whilst others would zip by without you even realising it. Which is why they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!”
But here’s the billion-dollar question: Was it a “happy” year for you?
Did you have at least a few moments where you felt genuinely joyful?
Surely, some things would have made you happy, right?
Here’s a hypothetical list of some of the things that could have made you happy:
- Hearing your favourite song on the radio
- Passing an exam
- Getting a job
- Closing a deal
- Enjoying your favourite ice cream
- Finding a life partner
- Leaving a bad one
- Becoming a parent
- Watching a film by an actor or director you love
- Winning a lottery
- Finishing a task on time
- Sticking to your diet and losing weight
The Frequency Factor
Notice how the events can vary wildly in their frequency?
For instance, you can enjoy your favourite ice cream every day (though your dentist might raise an eyebrow), but finding a life partner isn’t exactly a daily occurrence!
There are things you can do every day, should you choose to do them (like Tom Cruise in those Mission Impossible movies), and there are things that occur less frequently.
Consequently, some joys are “high frequency” and within your control, whilst others are rare milestones.
And the frequency of these events often influences how you feel about them:
- Low-frequency events: These either stand out as monumental and life-changing or fade into the background as one-off occurrences.
- High-frequency events: These can keep you on a steady emotional high (or low) but might also become so routine that you barely notice them.
Wait a minute… isn’t that the same? It looks like both frequencies can either be significant… or not!
So, just maybe, what really matters is how you feel about these events—and whether they spark happiness.
Which brings us to the REAL question: Do we really know the why and how of happiness?
The Chemical Truth
Even though those joyful moments stemmed from different experiences, they all share one common denominator: What caused them!
Guess what? Your happiness isn’t hiding in the task, the job, the partner, the pet, the weight loss, or even the deal. Nope, it’s a masterful concoction of chemicals bubbling away in your brain.
Meet D.O.S.E.
Your dream team of happiness chemicals.
Say hello to Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins.
Let’s see how this Fantastic Four runs the show (tongue-in-cheek, but with a big scoop of science).
Dopamine: The Pursuit of Happy
Dopamine is often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, but it’s actually more about the pursuit than the achievement. It’s the brain’s equivalent of a motivational coach. Research shows that dopamine is released in anticipation of a reward, not when you actually receive it.
This chemical gets released when you accomplish something—whether it’s as monumental as a promotion or as mundane as finding your TV remote in one go.
Think about that triumphant moment when you’ve slotted the final piece into a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. That’s dopamine throwing a little party in your brain.
But dopamine isn’t just about rewards. It’s about the pursuit of those rewards. It’s the thrill of anticipation, the rush of striving, and yes, the satisfaction of achieving.
Dopamine motivates you by repeatedly saying, “Hey, that felt good. Let’s do it again.”
Oxytocin: The Hug Hormone
Next on the team is oxytocin, fondly known as the “love hormone.” It’s essential for childbirth, breastfeeding, and strong parent-child bonding and can help promote trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships. If dopamine is the solo act, oxytocin is the duet singer, harmonising your emotions with the people you care about.
This chemical surges during moments of bonding—whether it’s a warm embrace, a heartfelt conversation, or even snuggling with your pet.
Remember that feeling of utter contentment when someone gives you a genuine, lingering hug? That’s oxytocin wrapping you in its cosy little blanket.
Oxytocin not only strengthens social connections but also fosters trust. Levels generally increase with physical affection. It’s why team-building exercises, whilst occasionally awkward, often leave participants feeling closer.
And yes, it’s also why sharing a laugh with friends over a ridiculous meme can instantly lift your mood.
No wonder oxytocin has been called the glue of relationships.
Serotonin: Your Emotional Stabiliser
If happiness were a recipe, serotonin would be the salt—not flashy, not Instagrammable, but just try cooking without it!
This hormone and neurotransmitter helps regulate your mood as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory. It’s the neurotransmitter that keeps your mood steady, your anxiety in check, and your overall outlook on life optimistic.
Serotonin doesn’t ask for grand gestures; it’s quietly at work when you’re enjoying a sunny day or reflecting on the things you’re grateful for.
When you felt inexplicably happy after a long walk in the park or a yoga session… That was serotonin tipping its hat and saying, “You’re welcome.”
Adequate levels of serotonin are associated with reduced risk of depression and anxiety and an overall sense of well-being.
It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes happiness is just one gratitude journal entry away.
Endorphins: The Painkillers in Disguise
Finally, we have endorphins, the unsung heroes of happiness. These hormones are your body’s natural pain reliever, which your body produces in response to stress or discomfort.
But they’re not just about dulling discomfort; they’re about creating moments of euphoria—those unexpected bursts of joy that make life sweeter.
Ever laughed so hard that your cheeks hurt and tears streamed down your face? That’s endorphins working overtime.
They’re also the reason spicy food lovers keep coming back for more.
Endorphins have analgesic properties similar to those of morphine and generate a feeling of calm and euphoria.
Your D.O.S.E. of Happiness
Happiness is Within (Literally!)
Now that you know there’s a Dream Team working inside you, let’s ask some big questions:
- If it’s the release of chemicals that makes you really FEEL those things, could you trigger them just by your thoughts?
- If you changed how you feel about those things/events, would your emotional state shift?
- Do external events truly make you happy, or do your thoughts and feelings about them hold the real power?
All those moments of joy and connection? They’re not in the events themselves. They’re in you.
Whether it’s your favourite playlist or the world’s best brownie, external things simply nudge your internal happiness chemicals into action. Your brain is the ultimate chemist, whipping up happiness formulas on demand.
If this feels like ancient wisdom repackaged, it’s because it is. Gurus and philosophers have been telling us for centuries that happiness comes from within. Science gave it a name and a supporting cast of neurotransmitters.
Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and gratitude can give these feel-good hormones a natural boost—they’re neurochemical hacks that supercharge your D.O.S.E.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, happiness isn’t a destination or a prize. It’s a series of small, beautiful moments powered by the chemistry in your brain.
And the best part? You’re the one holding the recipe!
So go ahead. Take that walk, hug that friend, crack that joke, or eat that chocolate.
Because happiness, my dear reader, is all in your head… literally!
Well, now you know it too!
Your Year in Review
BTW, how was your year? How many happy moments did you have? What about the other not-so-happy ones? If you start making a list of both types, you’ll see that your memory is playing tricks on you by “hiding” some moments and making many others “readily available to you”!
Every year-end, I prepare a list of things that I did for the FIRST time in that year, including little things—things that I ate or visited for the first time.
I encourage you to make your own list, and you will see that your past year was actually quite a happy one! Tag me in your online posts, and I’ll get to know it as soon as you post it.
About the Author: Sandeep Ohri is a Behavioural Strategy Consultant, USIIC Chapter President Bengaluru, visiting faculty at universities, and host of the Mindset Makeover Podcast. He’s certified by Ogilvy Consulting UK & Irrational Labs USA and helps organisations make better decisions through behavioural science.
Reference Links:
- Dopamine: The pathway to pleasure – Harvard Health
- Oxytocin: The love hormone – Harvard Health
- Serotonin: The natural mood booster – Harvard Health
- Endorphins: The brain’s natural pain reliever – Harvard Health
- Happiness & Health: The Biological Factors- Systematic Review Article – PMC
💬 Got thoughts? Drop a comment below — I read them all.
