An animal does not need to think about the benefits of exercise or eating right. It simplies taps into its instincts and does what it needs to do. The Human animal has the same level of instincts with the added ability to think about them. What we have lost over time are the proper conditions the instincts were designed to help us survive in.
I assert that by better understanding where our instincts come from within the body, we will have the ability to utilize them to help us survive and thrive in the modern world.
The five hormones that form the basis of our instincts are: Endorphins, Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin, and Cortisol. Here is the basic break-out of what they do and why we have them.
The Big Five
Endorphins - Released during physical activity to inhibit the transmission of pain signals. Also known as the “runner’s high”, this hormone allows us to hunt prey and move over long distances. Side note, laughing also produces endorphins.
Dopamine - Released as a reward for accomplishing a task or finding something new. Do you ever wonder why we like to open boxes at birthdays instead of someone just handing you the gift straight off the shelf? The feeling of surprise by opening the box is dopamine. It is also responsible for our gathering nature. In earlier times it drove our need to gather food and in modern times the same instinct drives us to shop at the mall.
Serotonin - Released as an indicator of proper maintenance of the body. When you generally feel good, you have the right diet and nutrients flowing through your body. A great indicator of proper serotonin is your ability to sleep. Being able to fall asleep easily means you are not stressed (see Cortisol below) and your body has all it needs.
Oxytocin - Released during social bonding. It is expressed as the feeling of being connected to another person through touch and ensures our ability to work together as a tribe. This “love” hormone is responsible for the creation of our children and the skyscrapers we build.
Cortisol - Released during times of stress. In small amounts over short periods of time, cortisol maximizes the body's performance levels. This is the urge to do something. When we are stressed about getting away from a threat, our finances, or doing something outside our comfort zone; our brain and body is enhanced to help solve the problem.
How To Activate Your Instincts
When we choose to be Human and seek mastery over our animal self, we can control the conditions that would activate each instinct simply by imagining the condition. That’s right! All we have to do is imagine the situation and the hormones will flow through the body.
Here are some examples.
You need to endure pain. Think of something funny to the point you are laughing out loud. Do this before, during, and after the moment of pain for maximum effect.
You have an overwhelming number of items to do. Write them down and put a check box next to each item. As you accomplish an item, fill-in the box. You will get a dopamine reward each time to keep going.
You are having trouble connecting with your partner today. Don’t say a word and give them a hug for over 30 seconds. This will release oxytocin in the both of you and it will be easier to talk about the problem.
You need to get off your butt and make something of yourself. Let me introduce you to your dash. The dash on your tombstone between the dates of your birth and death. Start thinking about what you did with your life and what that dash represents. That sudden feeling of a “pit” in your stomach is cortisol.
Conclusion
Here is the point. We are an animal with all the instincts an animal has, but we can choose to be a Human and activate the instincts when we need them. They are an evolutionary requirement to survive the brutality of the world. The world is still brutal.
Stay Savage.
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