The Wellbeing Hormone Cheat Sheet
Oct 28, 2025
Hormones often get referenced as the hidden forces behind stress and mood swings. But how much do you really understand about what they are and how they affect you?
Understanding them doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down the most common hormones linked to stress and wellbeing. When you know which hormones drive stress and which support connection and calm, you can start to notice patterns in your life. That awareness is the first step to making small shifts—through rest, movement, nutrition, or connection—that help you work with your biology rather than against it.
Hormone |
Primary Function / Effect |
What it means for your wellbeing |
|
Adrenaline |
"Fight or flight" response: increases heart rate, energy, focus, blood flow to muscles |
Released during acute stress, triggers rapid bodily response |
|
Cortisol |
Main stress hormone; increases blood sugar, suppresses immune system, metabolism |
Released during stress, chronic stress linked to negative effects on health |
|
Dopamine |
Motivation, reward, pleasure, movement, |
Reinforces connection, released during positive social behaviour |
|
Endorphins |
Block pain perception, increase pleasure |
Released by positive social interaction, exercise, laughter |
|
Serotonin |
Regulates mood, anxiety, happiness; gut motility |
Mood effects via brain synthesis only; gut serotonin regulates digestion |
|
Oxytocin |
Social bonding, maternal behaviours, reduces stress |
"Cuddle hormone"; buffers stress, promotes connection |
A spike in cortisol might be a reminder to pause and breathe. A rush of dopamine may be pointing you toward what feels meaningful. The release of oxytocin or endorphins shows the power of connection, laughter and care.
By noticing these natural rhythms, you can respond with more kindness to yourself and more intention in your choices. Stress will always be part of life, but when you understand the hormones behind it, you gain the power to soften its impact and strengthen what makes you feel grounded, calm and connected.
Learn more on how to notice these signals and to improve your wellbeing with our workshops