At the end of the day, happiness is all we want. We all look for things that make us happy – whether it is following a hobby or being in good company. There’s no doubt, happiness is an emotion, but it is also the work of hormones in our body, including dopamine and serotonin. While dopamine is chiefly related to your mood, serotonin also affects your mood in a way. Apart from affecting your mood, it also performs several other functions in the body.
Today, we will be learning more about Serontonin and a few ways to increase serotonin levels in the body
First, let’s brush the basics of Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that tells your body how to work. It carries messages between different nerve cells in your central nervous system (brain). Hence these neurotransmitters affect your memory, and mood and regulate your body temperature, sleep, hunger and sexual behaviour.
Serotonins are chiefly found in your gut and about 10% in your brain. It is absorbed by platelets and transported to the nervous system via blood.
As serotonin is made of essential amino acids, it cannot be produced by the body, it has to be procured by food.
How does serotonin affect your mood?
Serotonin is also called the “feel good” chemical for a reason. It affects your mood, making you feel calm, focused and happy. When your body is maintaining healthy levels of this chemical, you feel emotionally good. When these levels are low, you feel depressed. The medications used to treat depression target increasing serotonin levels in the body.
How does serotonin affect digestion?
Serotonin also affects your digestion by promoting bowel movements in the body. Your gut can increase the release of serotonin to speed digestion to eliminate toxic products. It also plays a role in reducing your appetite while eating.
How does serotonin affect your sleep?
Dopamine and serotonin both affect the quality of your sleep. Serotonin is also required to make melatonin, a hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle.
5 ways to increase serotonin levels naturally
Want to feel better and improve your body functioning? It starts with increased serotonin levels. Let’s look at a few ways that increase serotonin levels in the body.
Exercising:
Consider engaging in regular physical activity to not only strengthen your body but also uplift your mood. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Serotonin, in particular, plays a crucial role in regulating mood and promoting a sense of well-being. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, each activity contributes to serotonin production, helping you feel more energetic and positive throughout the day.
Have foods rich in Tryptophan:
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin synthesis in the brain. Adding Tryptophan-rich foods to your diet can effectively boost serotonin levels, promote better mood and overall mental health. Indulge in a variety of delicious options such as chicken, eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu, and dairy products like cheese and yoghurt. These foods not only provide a tasty way to increase serotonin but also offer essential nutrients for your body’s optimal functioning.
Get some sunshine:
Basking in sunlight not only gives you a healthy glow but also stimulates serotonin production in your body. Sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, helping regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Spending time outdoors, especially during the morning hours, allows your skin to absorb sunlight, kickstarting the serotonin synthesis process. Even on cloudy days, natural light can have a positive impact on serotonin levels. So make it a habit to step outside and soak up some rays whenever possible. But don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you are out in the sun.
Managing trigger levels:
Stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions can deplete serotonin levels in the body, leading to mood disturbances and mental health issues. So, the first thing is identifying your triggers effectively. Once you do, consider following stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness to keep your serotonin levels in check.
Pamper yourself with massage therapy:
Treat yourself to the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy to boost serotonin levels. Massage stimulates the release of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, inducing a state of relaxation and reducing stress levels. Whether you opt for a Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or aromatherapy session, the healing touch of a skilled massage therapist can help release tension, improve mood, and enhance serotonin production.
Closing thoughts
By embracing these six methods, you’re on the path to boosting your serotonin levels and brightening your mood. Whether you’re hitting the gym, savouring delicious foods, catching sunshine, keeping stress in check, or treating yourself to a massage, it’s all about feeling good and living your best life. So, go ahead, and take those small steps towards a happier, more balanced you!
