I think understanding and practicing non-violent communication would go a long way towards creating an atmosphere of empathy.
Several years back, a group of us studied non-violent communication by using a book and workbook. It was eye opening for me and really helped me understand why and how I was thinking and communicating those thoughts. It is really useful in interpersonal relationships of all kinds.
The book/workbook came from this site:
https://www.cnvc.org/ It's the Center for Non Violent Communication.
I need a refresher for sure.........lol
If you want to change your brain chemistry then you have to create new neural pathways to replace the old ones. That can be done many ways, but I think communication is a part of doing that. A change of attitude will also help. You want to encourage your brain to create happy chemicals rather than unhappy chemicals. You can control what you think and how you express it...it takes practice and time. And we should never forget the importance of exercise.
laughin.......damn I wish I was better at it...........