11 Ways To Release More Happiness Chemicals

"Consuming some dark chocolate has been found to increase serotonin levels, which have a direct effect on things like feeling calm and comfortable," says Cilona. "Consuming chocolate has also been found to increase dopamine levels, bolster motivation, and to have a mild anti-depressant effect." Stick with dark chocolate at least 70 percent cocoa or higher, eat it regularly (about 2-3 times a week), and consume around 1.5 to 2 ounces for best results.

Even if you're not a natural Beethoven, making music, whether it just be singing, tapping out drum sounds on your desk, or learning some piano, can help encourage a positive mood and even diminish pain. This is because engaging in music helps release endorphins, according to research from the University of Oxford.

Dopamine is linked to positive behavior reinforcement, and it's responsible for that satisfied feeling when you complete something, according to Psychology Today. By keeping a small, attainable to-do list, you'll release a rush of dopamine each time you check something off. Added bonus: This will motivate you to keep getting more stuff done.

"Looking at old photos that remind you of happy events in your life, or times when you felt confident, successful, or achieved something significant, can create an immediate increase in serotonin levels," says Cilona. But be careful not to look at photos that have less than fond memories, as viewing those could have the opposite effect.

Your mom was onto something when she told you to stand up straight. "Assuming a strong posture and holding it for as little as two minutes has been found to increase confidence levels and decrease stress hormone levels like cortisol, which works directly against neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine," says Cilona.

If you feel that spicy food gives you some type of rush, it's not just in your head. When you eat a hot pepper, your body responds to the heat as if it was pain. This sends out a rush of endorphins to block the heat, which could give you a happiness rush or even reduce feelings of pain in other areas of your body, according to multiple experts who spoke to ABC News.

"Exercise, sunlight, and being around greenery and water in nature are all associated with significant increases in serotonin levels," says Cilona. "Try to make the walk as vigorous as possible and do it for at least 20 minutes. The brighter the sun is the better. "

Watching something funny is not only a good distraction if you're feeling down, but it can actually help release some feel-good chemicals. Laughter helps to release endorphins, according to research from the University of Oxford, which makes comedy a great natural way to experience bliss.

There's a reason so many people fall in love with the classic masterpieces. Viewing art that you find beautiful releases a surge of dopamine in the brain, increasing feelings of pleasure, according to research from the University College London.

A nice massage can really put you in a good place, and that's because massage therapy can help boost your levels of serotonin, according to multiple studies. It has also been shown to increase levels of dopamine and decrease the stress hormone cortisol, which makes sense why you leave the spa feeling so light and euphoric.

Exercise alone is a great way to release endorphins as well as boost serotonin and dopamine. But you can kick these happy chemicals up a notch by participating in a group workout. Research from Oxford shows that athletes who worked out with others showed increased pain tolerance, which means more of those endorphins were released.