Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers in our body that regulate our nervous system.
The neurotransmitter is famously known as one of the “happy hormones.”
In particular, serotonin influences our overall feelings of well-being.
When serotonin is properly balanced in the body, you’ll feel happier and emotionally stable.
Learning about serotoninand its triggers helps you make informed choices to modulate your mood for the better.
Have you ever had a bad day and just really needed a hug?
There’s a reason for that.
“We are social beings and benefit from various forms of connection,” she says.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Manage caffeine intake.
Pay attention to your intake if you notice your mood has been dipping.
Get ample sleep.
If you’re noticing sleep disturbances in yourcircadian rhythm, that might be nodding to low levels of serotonin.
Serotonin itself contributes to the ability to wake up in the morning and experience a sense of alertness."
Have plenty of nutrient-rich foods and drinks.
“Causes of low levels of serotonin could be a combination of things.
“There’s a relationship between mood and food.
The food we eat impacts how we feel.
Also, avoid foods with artificial sweeteners since they inhibit dopamine and serotonin production.
Exercise regularly.
Beingphysically active also produces a slew of other feel-good chemicalssuch as dopamine and endorphins.
“Physical exercise enhances mood and brain functioning.
Get a massage.
Getting a massage contributes to an increase ofdopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin.
Cortisol, also known as your stress hormone, is often seen as your body’s built-in alarm system.
Decreasing cortisol through tension work and skin-to-skin contact can help promote feelings of tranquillity.
Try acupuncture.
Theoretically, undergoing acupuncture works by bringing your body’s yin and yang back into proper energy alignment.
Make meditation a regular practice.
Meditation is a mindfulness practice and works by developing presence and awareness into your state of consciousness.
(Here aredifferent types of meditationto get you started.)
Support gut health.
Eatingprobiotic foods, maintaining a high-fiber diet, and even trying ahigh-quality probiotic supplementcan help increase gut microbial diversity.
Practice positive thinking.
“When we practice thinking more positively, we, in turn, feel more joy.
The brain is cued to create more serotonin in response to positive emotions,” Wolkin says.
Music can make you feel a range of excitatory emotions, from jubilant to weepy.
It can also help you access serotonin.
The bottom line.
There are multiple factors that can either exponentially increase or deplete serotonin in our body.
Integrating these simple methods into your everyday life can help you achieve balance with your mood and overall well-being.
