What you get with meditation

Dopamine. Also known as the “feel-good” hormone, dopamine is a hormone (and neurotransmitter) that’s an essential part of your brain’s reward system. Dopamine is associated with pleasurable sensations, along with learning, memory, motor system function, and more.

Serotonin. This hormone (and neurotransmitter) helps regulate your mood as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory.

Oxytocin. Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin is essential for childbirth, breastfeeding, and strong parent-child bonding. This hormone can also help promote trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships. Oxytocin levels generally increase with physical affection like kissing, cuddling, and sex.

Endorphins. Endorphins are your body’s natural pain reliever, which your body produces in response to stress or discomfort. Endorphin levels also increase when you engage in reward-producing activities, such as eating, working out, or having sex.