Dopamine drives cravings and motivation, while serotonin and endocannabinoids help enhance enjoyment of the present, creating a balance between seeking more and appreciating what you have.

You can enhance your emotional well-being by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels, allowing for both motivation and contentment with the present.

Dopamine and serotonin represent two different motivational systems: dopamine drives us to pursue external goals, while serotonin helps us appreciate what we have in the moment. Mindfulness practices can help shift focus from the pursuit of external rewards to enjoying the present moment, enhancing pleasure from what you already have.

Dopamine is linked to the anticipation of pleasure and motivation, while serotonin is more associated with the immediate experience of pleasure, both being essential for emotional well-being.

We have three to five times more serotonin receptors in our gut than in our brain, highlighting the gut's importance as our second brain.

Low levels of dopamine and serotonin can lead to anhedonia, making it difficult to experience pleasure, which is why treatments like antidepressants aim to raise these baseline levels.

Extending the positive phase of dopamine release while blunting the pain response can lead to greater happiness and motivation in pursuing long-term goals.

Flow releases a cocktail of neurochemicals, including dopamine and endorphins, which enhance our emotional state and performance.

Oxytocin has been overemphasized in the media, while serotonin acts more quickly and is associated with feelings of comfort and trust.