Dopamine, Serotonin, and the Two Systems of Happiness

When I was younger, I thought happiness was the high. That rush from a night out, winning a game, laughing with friends until your stomach hurts. Those moments stuck. So I kept chasing them.

Over time, I’ve learned there’s more to happiness than just the peak moments. There’s also something quieter—calmer, but deeper.

• Enjoying the beauty of nature.
• Being fully present in the moment.
• Being with people you love.

That’s how I think about serotonin vs. dopamine.
Yes, the science is more complex—but this lens helps:

• Dopamine is the energy of pursuit. It drives you to build, solve, explore, improve. Not just cheap thrills—real momentum.
• Serotonin is presence. Feeling grounded, connected, content—without needing more.

Meditation and gratitude helped me feel that second kind more often. But I still enjoy the chase—when the pursuit itself has meaning.

You need both.
One moves you forward. The other holds you steady. Happiness isn’t found in choosing between them—it’s knowing when you need which.

Bottom line:
Some days you chase. Some days you breathe. Both count.