Boost serotonin levels in your body and you can drastically improve all kinds of essential roles in the body, including learning, memory, happiness, regulating body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior and hunger. A lack of serotonin is thought to play a role in anxiety, depression, mania and many other health conditions. It is one of the most important neurotransmitters that your brain and body need to function optimally. Making a few simple adjustments to your daily habits can help increase serotonin levels and in turn, improve your mental health.
Ways to Boost Serotonin
If you are struggling with low mood, anxiety, or depression, it may be due to low levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin is a brain hormone responsible for many vital functions in the brain, including regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Low serotonin levels have been linked to several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Fortunately, mental health care experts like Sherief Abu-Moustafa have found effective ways to increase serotonin to help your mood and overall mental health.
Here are seven activities that can help to boost your serotonin levels.
Get Some Sunlight
According to research, exposure to sunlight can have a positive effect on mental health. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. It has also been linked to lower rates of depression. In addition, sunlight helps to regulate the body’s sleep cycle by resetting the internal clock. People exposed to sunlight during the day tend to sleep better at night.
Additionally, sunlight is a natural mood booster. The sun’s brightness can help lift your spirits and improve your overall outlook on life. For all these reasons, getting some sunlight every day is essential. Even just a few minutes of sun exposure can positively impact your mental health. If you’re unable to get outdoors or are experiencing a dreadful winter, using a light therapy device is an excellent alternative.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods is essential for overall health and well-being, but did you know that certain foods can also help boost serotonin levels? Foods like salmon, nuts, and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for proper brain function. Other good choices include turkey, eggs, and legumes.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise has numerous benefits for mental and physical health, and one of those benefits is increased serotonin production. Exercise helps increase blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is best – aim for 30 minutes per day most days of the week.
Reduce Stress Levels
Chronic stress can lead to low serotonin levels, so finding ways to reduce stress is essential. Stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in overall health and well-being and is also essential for proper brain function. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to low serotonin levels. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to keep your serotonin levels where they should be.
Connect With Others
We are social creatures by nature and need to feel a sense of connection with others to maintain our mental health. This can be achieved in many ways, such as spending time with family and friends, being part of a community, or simply interacting with others daily. When we feel connected to others, we release oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone” that has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
In addition, social interaction helps to keep our minds active and can prevent us from feeling lonely or isolated. Humans are designed to live in social groups, so it’s no surprise that our mental health suffers when we don’t have strong social connections. Connecting with others can boost our mental well-being and help us enjoy a happier, healthier life.
There are many things you can do to boost your serotonin levels naturally. If you’re planning on taking an oral supplement, just remember that it’s essential to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, as some supplements may interact with medications you’re taking or have other side effects when taken in high doses. But if you’re looking for other ways to improve your mood and overall well-being, these seven activities can help!
