The happy hormone
Two best and simple Ways To Boost the happy hormone called Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical made by your body that helps you to feel cheerful, happy and in a state of well-being. It’s involved with keeping your mood stable, helping you to focus, stay calm, and pay attention. Symptoms Of Low Serotonin Stress & Irritability Unfortunately many people have low levels of serotonin and this can cause you to feel irritated, and stressed and you may suffer with anxiety. Low Self-Esteem People with low serotonin levels also often have low self-esteem, Depression perceiving that the world is an unfriendly place and this can even develop into depression. Impulsive Cravings Low serotonin can also cause you to crave short-term highs from eating junk foods, binge eating, alcoholism, or drug use. Disrupted Sleep It can also disrupt your sleeping patterns, possibly causing oversleeping or waking up many times during the night. IBS And serotonin also helps to maintain normal digestion, so without enough, you may develop irritable bowel syndrome or chronic diarrhea. Fortunately, there are some simple and natural ways to boost your serotonin levels to overcome these issues. And that’s exactly what we will be talking about in today Just a quick reminder this article is for educational purposes only, so do speak to your doctor if you have any medical or mental health concerns.
best ways to boost Serotonin the happy hormone
1. Sunlight Exposure
Many people feel down, sad, and depressed in the winter because they aren’t being exposed to enough sunshine. This is why there is higher rates of depression in Iceland for example, where they may only get around 4 hours of daylight in the winter because of the country’s high latitude. When sunlight enters your eyes, it stimulates parts of your retina that tell your brain to make and store more serotonin (the happy hormone) When the UV rays contact your skin, it also triggers the production of Vitamin D which reduces stress hormones (cortisol) and raises happy hormone. This is why people feel much better, calmer and happier when they are sunbathing on a beautiful beach. I for example have had some of my most creative ideas whilst sitting in the sun, because of how it improves my mood and allows me to think more clearly. Start taking slow walks outside at least 45 minutes each day whenever you can, even if there is cloud cover. The essential oils that are released from the plants and trees also have a soothing effect that can help to balance out your nervous system.
2. Exercise
Start performing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 2x per week, such as jogging, biking, swimming or anything that gets your heart pumping Studies show that motor activity speeds up the brain’s ability to convert tryptophan into serotonin, therefore boosting your serotonin levels. This is why exercise is always recommended for anyone with mental health problems. Exercise also triggers reward centers in your brain by boosting dopamine, which can make you feel more pleasure and less depressed/anxious.
