Happiness Hormones
Endorphins
First happiness hormones are Endorphins. They basically mask physical pain. If you go for a run – you feel exited and great! An hour later all your muscles hurt
Dopamine
Another type of happiness hormones is Dopamine. You feel shot of dopamine when you accomplish a goal, when you cross something from todo list. It is highly addictive though and it is released when drinking alcohol, while absorbing nicotine or while gambling.
Endorphins + Dopamine are selfish hormones. You need nobody to trigger them. But their original purpose still helped the whole tribe, whole group survive.
Serotonin
Third kind of hormon responsible for your happiness is Serotonin. It is responsible for feeling of pride and status. Public recognition – awards, commencement speeches… It is bonding as it also arises in our parents when they see us an it strengthens the relationship between parent – child, boss – employee, coach – player etc. The care giver and the supporter. Serotonine is the leadership chemical.
Leadership comes at a cost. If you are a leader you have to face the “danger” so others don’t need to. That is why we are offended when leaders (politicians, owners…) “steal” money or get unreasonably high bonuses. It does not feel right. On the other hand – it does feels right for them to get the bonus when they protect us and fulfill what they promised.
Oxytocin
Last of the happiness hormones is Oxytocin. It is the feeling of love, trust, friendship. It is also raised with physical contact like shaking hands or mothers physical contact with the child. You get oxytocin when you give and expect nothing in return.
A leader that is sitting next to you and says: I’ll pay for your meal is not a leader. A leader who offers help is a leader.
What feels better to you? Praise with face to face conversation or an email with the exact same content? It is a sacrifice without expecting anything in return.
A great fact about oxytocin: When you are giving like that you feel good (you get shot of oxytocin), the other person who is receiving feels good (oxytocin) but also any witness of the act feels good (because of oxytocin). And it gets better: the more you do, the more you want to do, and more:
- It boosts your immune system
- You are healthier
- You live longer
- It increases problem solving
- And creativity
Hormone responsible for stress: Cortisol
You have it when you feel stress & anxiety and it is the first stage of flight or fight response. But like all the other hormones it keeps us alive.
It is contagious. When you get freaked out – all the other people who can see you get freaked out too – look at the gazelles.
It shuts growth and the immune system (the growth of your fingernails) because you don’t need it at the moment. It is very helpful, but it should not be constantly in our body. It suppresses oxytocin.
Being alpha of the group is relative for each environment. If you are meeting someone and you are nervous, you are not the alfa.
Final note from Simon
Leadership is not a position. It is a decision. If you look after the person to your left and to your right, you have become the leader.
