Hey Lykkers! Have you ever reached for a piece of chocolate or a delicious pastry when you're feeling down? You're not alone! Many of us turn to sweet treats to boost our mood, and it turns out there's a reason why.

Eating sweets can bring both mental and physical comfort, and it's all connected to how our brain works.

But before we dive into that, let's take a closer look at how sweets can make us feel better and whether it's a good long-term strategy.

Why Do Sweets Make Us Happy?

Yes, it's true! When we eat something sweet, our brain releases chemicals known as dopamine and endorphins. These are the “feel-good” hormones that make us feel happy and content. Dopamine, in particular, is responsible for making us feel pleasure and reward, while endorphins help to reduce pain and stress. So, when we indulge in a sweet treat, these hormones are released, which can instantly lift our mood.

Another reason why sweet foods are so satisfying is that they're different from other types of food. Unlike proteins, fats, or fiber, sugars don't need to be processed before they enter our bloodstream. This means that they provide an immediate source of energy to the brain, helping us to feel better almost instantly.

How Sweets Help Fight Negative Emotions

When we're feeling stressed or anxious, our “sympathetic nervous system” kicks into action. This is the body's fight-or-flight response that makes us feel on edge. But when we eat something sweet, it triggers our brain's “parasympathetic nervous system,” which counteracts the stress response and helps us relax. This is why eating sweets can give us an immediate sense of comfort, both psychologically and physiologically.

The Risks of Eating Too Many Sweets

While sweets can definitely make us feel good in the short term, there's a catch. Research has shown that the happiness we get from sweets is temporary—it usually lasts for only about 30 minutes. Once that sugar high fades, we may find ourselves feeling worse than before. In fact, regularly consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of developing mental health issues.

Here's how it works: When we eat large amounts of sugar, it activates our brain's reward system. This makes us crave more sugar, and the more we satisfy that craving, the stronger the urge becomes. This can create a vicious cycle where we constantly seek out sugary foods for that quick boost of happiness, leading to sugar addiction.

Furthermore, when we eat a lot of sugar, our insulin levels spike. This causes tryptophan (a compound in the brain) to enter our cells and convert into serotonin, another mood-boosting chemical. But the problem is that our body doesn't always have enough serotonin to match the demand, so it's like we're “borrowing” happiness from our future. After the sugar rush, our blood sugar drops quickly, leading to feelings of anxiety and mood swings.

Studies have shown that people who consume the highest amounts of sugar are more likely to experience common psychological issues. In fact, a study by researchers at University College London found that individuals who ranked in the top third for sugar intake were 23% more likely to develop mental health problems within five years.

What's the Solution to Feeling Down?

So, what can we do instead of reaching for sweets to feel better? Well, while eating sweets might provide temporary relief, it's not the most sustainable solution. Instead, we can try relaxation techniques to help alleviate negative emotions in a healthier way. Relaxing both physically and mentally can have a calming effect on our body and mind, promoting overall well-being.

How to Try Relaxation Therapy

Relaxation therapy, also known as relaxation training, involves consciously controlling your physical and mental activities to achieve a relaxed state. Here's a simple version of relaxation therapy you can try at home:

1. Find a quiet, peaceful spot and put on some calming music. Sit or lie down comfortably on a couch or recliner.

2. Close your eyes and start by focusing on the muscles in your face. Tighten your jaw and feel the tension in your cheeks. Then, slowly release the tension and feel the muscles relax.

3. Next, move your attention to your neck. Try to tense your neck muscles, feeling the strain. Then, release the tension and relax your neck.

4. Now, focus on your hands. Squeeze them tightly until they feel numb or sore, then gently release and let them rest in a comfortable position.

5. Move your focus to your chest and take a deep breath. Hold it for 1-2 seconds, then slowly exhale. Repeat a few times until you feel your chest relax.

6. Continue this process with your shoulders, stomach, and legs, focusing on tensing and then relaxing each muscle group.

7. Finally, after going through your whole body, allow your muscles to remain relaxed and stay in this calm state for 1-2 minutes.

Try practicing this relaxation technique daily—doing it twice a day will help you manage stress and reduce the craving for sugary treats. By replacing sweets with relaxation, we can achieve a more balanced and healthy approach to handling our emotions.

Final Thoughts: Relaxation Over Sugar

While sweets can bring us a momentary sense of happiness, they aren't the best long-term solution for emotional well-being. Instead, learning relaxation techniques can help us manage stress and find true comfort without the negative side effects of sugar. So, next time you're feeling down, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the calm that comes with it.

Remember, Lykkers, let's choose relaxation over sugar and keep our bodies and minds in a healthier, happier place!