It's not for nothing that moderate exercise and a healthy diet are recommended when you're feeling down or experiencing a drop in performance. Exercise stimulates the entire circulatory system and all organs. This stimulates the release of these positive neurotransmitters from the cells in the brain. Diet, on the other hand, provides the minerals, vitamins, and trace elements necessary for overall cell production. You've probably heard that iron deficiency, for example, causes fatigue.

Endorphins

Endorphins cause such extraordinary phenomena as the "runner's high," the tunnel vision of marathon runners and long-distance joggers, which enables them to keep running despite their exhausted, protesting muscles, feeling a sense of elation. This may be welcome during a competition, but when these neurotransmitters decline, a crash back into reality inevitably follows. Therefore, don't overdo it with extreme performances. There's a clear risk of addiction here. These neurotransmitters also have a protective function: When you're in a very excited state, endorphins are responsible for you finishing your urgent work even though your back has been hurting for a long time, or for you rushing to your sick child even though your sprained foot shouldn't allow it. Endorphins are therefore considered true painkillers—at least temporarily, until they are broken down again by the body. Only through such neurotransmitters can some outstanding performances, especially in extreme situations, be explained at all. But they also increase the feeling of happiness and regulate relaxation after special challenges that you have successfully mastered.

Serotonin, dopamine and noradennaline

You've probably also heard of serotonin. It's considered a mood enhancer. If there's enough of it in your brain, you feel great, happy, and balanced. Accordingly, depressed people lack it.

Dopamine and its companions, noradrenaline, ensure our performance. Without these neurotransmitters in the brain, nothing would work. You wouldn't get up in the morning, let alone work or hang out with friends.

The organism: a fine sensor for our well-being

Our body is a sensitive organ that forgives some mistakes, but fortunately also quickly reveals what to make of them. Scientists today believe that there is a predisposition to whether one is more of an optimist or a pessimist, but not to the extent that you can sit back and do nothing. You are called upon to work on your own sense of happiness. Every day. Right now, for example. With a balanced diet and moderate exercise, you should be able to achieve this.

The body likes a certain regularity with small peaks in demands. So push it to its limits sometimes, but don't go beyond them. You'll notice how the neurotransmitters flood your brain and you feel excited and cheerful, even enthusiastic. And be sure to drink plenty of water. It helps all cells do their work, including the brain's neurotransmitters. Your brain alone requires 20 percent of your daily energy intake from food, even though it's lightweight compared to the rest of your body. But it regulates everything that happens in your body, including how you feel. Make sure it gets the best possible support - so you feel good.