The ‘DOSE’ here denotes four wonderful chemicals or hormones which regulate many
important functions in our body.
These are Dopamine, Oxytocin,
Serotonin and Endorphin, which act as messengers between among the neurons in
the brain.
A peripheral knowledge about these
neurotransmitters, their production and functions will give us a better mileage
in our physical and mental well-being.
This will in turn, bring better
results in our actions and relationships.
Dopamine
helps regulate attention, motivation, learning and emotional responses.
Since it enables the arousal of
motivation to do things and the sustenance of motivation to complete a given
task, it becomes a decisive factor in deciding the academic as well as
non-academic achievements. Low levels of dopamine may reduce motivation and
enthusiasm.
Oxytocin
is a powerful hormone that underlies an individual’s social skills such as
interpersonal relationships, empathy, generosity, recognition, trust etc. It is
also a preventive factor of depressive feelings.
Serotonin
is the chemical that helps with sleeping, eating and digesting. It has an
effect on one’s emotions and motor skills. It is considered as a natural mood
stabilizer which can reduce depression, anxiety, confusion etc.
The endorphins are of at least
twenty different kinds which are responsible for blocking pain and controlling
emotions. They are also responsible for the feelings of pleasure.
Relatively high or low levels of these
chemicals in the brain may cause behavioural challenges or disability. Lack of
regular physical exercises, habitual use of fast food, junk foods etc. can
cause risk in children. Getting proper sleep by consistent bedtime and waking
up, daily exercises/yoga/meditation, listening to music, balanced diet, spending
sometime in the sun, outdoor games etc. help boost the levels of ‘DOSE’ in
daily life.
