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Wise Words From the Inner Mammal Institute.

Writer's picture: Dr. Rhonda PatrickDr. Rhonda Patrick

The Inner Mammal Institute, founded by Dr. Loretta Graziano Breuning, offers resources to help individuals understand and manage their brain's natural chemistry to enhance happiness. Central to their teachings is the idea that our feelings of joy and distress are deeply rooted in neurochemicals inherited from our mammalian ancestors. By comprehending the roles of these chemicals, we can develop strategies to stimulate them in healthy ways.


The Four Key Neurochemicals:

  1. Dopamine: Often referred to as the "reward chemical," dopamine provides the feeling of pleasure when we approach a desired goal. It's the excitement you experience when anticipating a reward. In our ancestors, this was crucial for motivating behaviors that ensured survival, such as seeking food or shelter. Today, setting and achieving personal goals can help stimulate dopamine production.

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  2. Oxytocin: Known as the "bonding hormone," oxytocin fosters feelings of trust and social connection. In the animal kingdom, it promotes group cohesion and mutual support. For humans, engaging in activities that build trust and strengthen relationships, like sharing personal experiences or offering support, can boost oxytocin levels.

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  3. Serotonin: This chemical contributes to feelings of social importance and respect. Among mammals, higher social status often correlates with better access to resources. In our lives, recognizing and appreciating our achievements, as well as asserting ourselves in social situations, can enhance serotonin production.

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  4. Endorphin: Acting as the body's natural painkiller, endorphin provides a brief euphoria that masks physical discomfort. In the wild, this allows animals to escape predators even when injured. For humans, activities like laughter, physical exercise, and stretching can trigger endorphin release.

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Understanding Cortisol:

Cortisol is the brain's alarm system, signaling potential threats. While it plays a vital role in survival by alerting us to danger, chronic activation due to modern stressors can lead to persistent feelings of anxiety. Recognizing when cortisol is triggered and developing healthy coping mechanisms are essential for maintaining emotional balance.


Rewiring Your Brain:

The Inner Mammal Institute emphasizes that our neural pathways are shaped by past experiences, especially those from early life. These established pathways influence our reactions and behaviors. However, through consistent new experiences and repetition, we can forge new pathways, allowing for healthier responses and increased happiness. This process requires patience and persistence but empowers individuals to take control of their emotional well-being.


By understanding and actively managing these neurochemicals, we can harness our brain's natural mechanisms to foster a more fulfilling and joyful life.

For a deeper insight into these concepts, you might find this video helpful:




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