For WONDER SHEET 6:

A little hormone science:

• Dopamine is the most important messenger substance for our feelings of happiness. As a “messenger”, it transmits feelings and sensations in the body and controls the blood flow to the internal organs so that impulses are passed on to the muscles. In combination with fresh air and exercise, it leads to a lively feel-good mix with serotonin and adrenaline.
• Endorphins function as the body’s own painkiller and alleviate symptoms of exhaustion. They also regulate the feeling of hunger, our mood and the production of sex hormones.
• Noradrenaline lifts our mood, regulates our level of alertness and attention, increases motivation and promotes mental performance.
• Oxytocin is known to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, promote general well-being and increase cognitive empathy and social skills.
• Serotonin is involved in processes in the central nervous system and affects our perception of pain, sleep and sexual behavior and our emotional state. Especially when the days get longer and brighter again, serotonin takes over and provides more energy.