Fear, loneliness, isolation, inability to work, financial worries, and loss of self-esteem are some of the key factors contributing to a 25% global increase in anxiety and depression, according to the World Health Organisation. In this episode, Jen will explore how our moods are profoundly influenced by brain chemicals known as “feel-good hormones.” These include serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, all of which play crucial roles in our feelings of happiness, connection, and motivation.
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SHOWNOTES
Fear, loneliness, isolation, inability to work, financial worries, and loss of self-esteem have contributed to a 25% rise in anxiety and depression worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. The years 2020-22 had a profound impact on mental health, with Forbes reporting, “Fifty-two per cent of employers say their employees are more engaged working from home, yet mental health concerns and burnout have skyrocketed. Nearly six times as many employers report increased mental health issues among employees since the pandemic began—burnout being among the most common.”
A McKinsey study found that one in three employees felt that returning to the workplace negatively impacted their mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression. In the US, 59% of people reported feeling more isolated since the pandemic, even though 75% live with someone, and one-third report feeling more depressed.
In Australia, findings from the 2020-21 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing revealed that 15% of Australians aged 16–85 and 20% of those aged 16–34 experienced high to very high levels of psychological distress. These statistics reflect only those who sought help through the medical system. The numbers could be much higher, given that many people do not seek support.
In the rush of modern life, we can easily forget that happiness isn’t just a state of mind but also a state of body. Our moods are deeply influenced by the “feel-good hormones” produced in our brains—serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins—all of which play essential roles in our feelings of happiness, connection, and motivation.
The cycle of emotions, gut health, and brain health forms an interconnected loop, where “what we think about, we bring about.” Our natural mechanisms for feeling good are within us, and the key is to nurture and support them. By caring for our feel-good hormones, we give ourselves the fuel to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Why not start today? You already have everything you need to fuel your happiness—one feel-good habit at a time.
Did you enjoy the podcast today? Please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Every month I draw one lucky reviewer to have a free one-hour consultation with me. Also, remember to subscribe wherever you’re tuning in from so that you always catch the next episode.
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