Hacking Happiness Chemicals – Item 567

This is a pack about hacking happiness chemicals. It is aimed at upper KS2 and Secondary.

Included in the pack:

• A3 Posters (clipart differentiated for older and younger pupils)
• 22 worksheets (clipart differentiated 10 for older, 10 for younger and 2 which are for any pupil)

The pack looks at the 4 main chemicals for happiness – serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine. Use the poster to discuss and help them to find ways that they can increase their happiness chemicals by working through some of the worksheets.

Dopamine is the reward chemical and something that ADHD pupils may be constantly seeking.

Ways to hack dopamine

• Set achievable goals
• Exercise regularly
• Be creative
• Listen to music
• Quality sleep
• Eat a balanced diet

Serotonin is the mood stabliser and many antidepressant use the increase of serotonin to improve depression and anxiety.

Ways to hack serotonin

• Sunlight
• Running
• Yoga/Meditation
• Massage
• Swimming

Oxytocin is the love chemical which helps your feelings of trust and motivates you to form stronger relationships.

Ways to hack Oxytocin

• Play with your pet
• Play with a baby
• Hold hands with someone
• Hug someone
• Give compliments
• Socialising

Endorphins are natural pain killers and they release a brief euphoria which can mask physical pain

Ways to hack endorphins

• Laughter
• Exercise
• Dark chocolate
• Listen to music
• Eat chilli’s and spicy food
• Foods high in vitamin C

There are lots of ways  hacking happiness chemicals and pupils can investigate and think of their own ways.