When you feel blue, there may be low amounts of serotonin in your system. Serotonin has been shown to greatly affect the overall sense of well being because the more serotonin a person has, the more positive they may feel. An article published in the

US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health states, “Several studies found an association between measures related to serotonin and mood in the normal range. Lower platelet serotonin2 receptor function was associated with lower mood in one study, whereas better mood was associated with higher blood serotonin levels in another.” The great news is that we can increase the levels of serotonin in your bodies naturally! Here are 4 natural strategies the article suggests to increase serotonin levels:

1. Your thoughts:

There is a saying that goes, ‘we become what we think about’. When you think positive thoughts, you become a more positive person. The opposite is also true – think negatively and you become more negative. There is a positive correlation between increased serotonin levels in persons where positive thoughts outweigh the negative. The good news for those whose default is negative is that you can rewire your brain to override your negative tendencies. Seek the help you need to rewire your brain to think more positively. You can achieve this through a therapist, daily positive affirmation, or any other method that fits your style.

2. Light exposure:

Using light to increase serotonin may have a positive impact on your moods. Studies have suggested increasing the amount of sunlight exposure will increase the amount of serotonin released by your brain. To increase your exposure to more sunlight, add in a morning walk to your daily routine, a walk over lunch, or sit in the sun (for a reasonable amount of time to avoid sunburn) when you are able to.

3. Exercise:

Getting adequate exercise to increase your mood is not a new finding. The more exercise you partake in, the more serotonin your brain, according to some studies, produce. According to an article on the American Psychological Association, “Some researchers suspect exercise alleviates chronic depression by increasing serotonin (the neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressants) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (which supports the growth of neurons).”

4. Probiotics:

Taking probiotics can trigger your digestive system to release serotonin. Probiotics are the good kind of bacteria that your body needs to keep you healthy. In an 8 week study, patients who took probiotics reported lower levels of depression. You can get probiotics from eating fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, all-natural yogurt with lactobacillus or acidophilus, or through a probiotic supplement. Talk to your doctor to see which supplement works best for you.

 

It is so important to pay attention to what you’re feeding your body and mind. Your environment, the state of your thoughts, and your food intake all play an important role in your overall health. Each of these strategies work together to help you feel better and less down. Serotonin plays such a vital role for positive emotions that these simple changes can make a world of a difference! Try it for yourself for a month or two and see if you feel your mood shifting in a more positive direction.