The biochemistry of practicing poker vs football (or any other team sports)
While in regards to watching them as a spectator, it seems a matter of preferences, when it comes to practicing them, the answer is clear since our biochemicals don't lie.
Here are some facts:
- Four hormones are responsible for our happiness, when in balance: dopamine, endorphin, serotonin and oxytocin.
- Endorphins are being generated when we run, workout, or do any kind of physical effort. They mask the pain. (until you run out of it: That's why when you laugh for too long, at some point your abdomen starts to hurt)
- Serotonin, aka the leadership hormone, is released when we give/receive praise and credits.
- Oxytocin, aka the love hormone, is being generated when we are empathic, when taking care of someone in need, or when we hug, or kiss with affection, also when we pet an animal or simply when we fist bump, high five or just give a handshake.
- Dopamine, aka the motivational hormone, is released when we achieve goals or reach milestones, yet also when we eat, drink, do drugs, alcohol, gamble, play video games or use social media platforms, or a smartphone
.
- Dopamine is highly addictive and can break the balance of all 4 hormones.
- Scientists have discovered that the best sports that could make one's happy are team sports. Makes sense if we think about it. We get endorphins when we run, dopamine when we achieve small/big goals during the game (reaching ball, passing good, scoring, etc), we get serotonin when we give/receive credits and praise, and oxytocin when we fist bump, high five, group hug, etc.
Poker vs. Football:
- Practicing poker will give us plenty of dopamine and we really enjoy it. (do it cautions, not to cause any unbalance)
- Practicing football will give us all 4 hormones, in a balanced manner.
My personal conclusion:
I like playing poker, but I love playing football!
P.S. Bonus hormone: cortisol. (not directly linked to happiness, but very needed for our safety)
- Cortisol aka the stress hormone is responsible with our survival and engages our primal instincts. Cortisol and noradrenaline can save our life in dangerous situations but they come at a cost: affects the immune system, therefore it should not stay in our body for too long.
P.S.2. Oxytocin inhibits the production of excessive dopamine. So when facing hard times, the healthy coping mechanism is to go for human interactions rather than seeking help in a bottle or other drugs.
If you've reached this far, you are AWESOME! Thank you! Really!
Feels good, right? Enjoy the boosts of dopamine and serotonin you now have.
