Serotonin: What It Is and How to Increase Serotonin Levels
to Have a Better Mood

Serotonin is responsible for helping relay a variety of messages between different parts of the brain. Two of the key functions in which serotonin plays a major role are the brain's ability to make memories and the brain's ability to learn. This is one reason why people theorize that depression is linked to low levels of serotonin, as many who suffer from depression report having memory loss.

Serotonin is believed to have a major influence on when you sleep, how well you sleep, and how much sleep you are able to get. While it isn't the brain's only chemical that influences sleep, an imbalanced level of serotonin can result in less sleep which can leave you feeling less refreshed. This goes both ways, as both too much or too little serotonin can have negative effects on your sleep quality.

Mood and energy levels are two of the most well-known functions of the body for which serotonin is responsible. With poor serotonin levels, you can feel as if you are "stuck" in one mood, usually in a state of sadness or boredom. The ability to self-regulate your mood may become impaired if you have too much or too little serotonin. This is one of the main reasons why researchers believe that there is a link between serotonin levels and one's happiness.

There is research to indicate that imbalanced serotonin levels can affect how well your body responds to anxiety and stress. These are our body's natural reactions to danger. However, with improper levels of serotonin, it can become difficult for our bodies to register when a threat is no longer imminent. This is what causes lasting feelings of stress and anxiety.

A healthy diet is the best way to start boosting your serotonin levels. Foods that have been linked to increased levels of serotonin include seeds, milk products, eggs, chicken, turkey, and salmon. A well-balanced diet that incorporates these foods can help your body get back to the state of producing a natural level of serotonin. It's important that you drink enough water every day as well, as this is one of the most important factors of a healthy diet and helps you stick to a diet by keeping you feeling full.

Exercise is a natural way to promote our body's serotonin production. It is one of the best daily habits you can incorporate into your life for serotonin production which will provide both short-term and long-term benefits. Even a twenty-minute walk in nature can help boost your levels of serotonin and leave you feeling happier, more refreshed, and sleepier once bedtime comes. Consider choosing an exercise routine that makes you happy and that you enjoy doing, like dancing, swimming, biking, walking, or playing a sport.

Getting direct exposure to sunlight daily is a great way to boost your serotonin levels naturally. Our bodies respond to sunlight by producing more neurotransmitters in an effort to get our bodies ready for the day. If you cannot go outside every day to get this direct exposure, consider investing in a sun lamp. These lamps are created to help combat seasonal depression and help your body create serotonin in almost the same way that natural sunlight does.

There are supplements that exist to help increase your serotonin levels, and many use natural ingredients to help promote your body's natural production. You should always talk to your doctor or a medical professional before you begin taking supplements. They will be able to help you understand the effects the supplement may have on you and if there will be any complications with your health history or current medications you may be taking. There are a variety of supplements on the market to help promote serotonin levels, and it may take you several tries before you find the right one for you.

Being able to talk to yourself in a positive manner is one way to help promote your brain's natural serotonin production. If you can self-soothe your way out of anxious or stressful moods, your brain will have a better chance of being able to produce serotonin on its own. Work on redirecting any negative thoughts you have about yourself toward more positive and constructive ones. Don't worry if you can't be extremely positive all the time - focus more on making small everyday changes toward a more positive outlook on life.

Serotonin pills are one of the most direct options to stabilize your serotonin levels. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you need serotonin pills. When taken daily, they can help supplement your body's natural serotonin production and improve your life in multiple ways. These pills will help your body focus less on the negative effects of not having enough serotonin and more on the production of your own natural serotonin.

Meditation has been proven to reduce stress levels and lower a person's anxiety over time. A habit of daily meditation can therefore take some of the strain off your body. Even ten minutes of meditation each day is enough to reap the benefits of the practice. This will allow your body to focus on serotonin production and increase your body's natural levels. Additionally, the calming and restorative effect of meditation itself can help your brain create more serotonin.

Getting a good night's sleep is essential to balancing your levels of serotonin. Because your levels of serotonin affect how well you sleep, this means that you may need to rely on other hormones to help you fall asleep, such as melatonin. Additionally, make sure you sleep in a dark, comfortable room. Having a set sleep schedule for when you go to bed and when you wake up can also improve the quality of your sleep. If you need total darkness in your bedroom when you sleep, consider investing in blackout curtains so that you have more control over when you wake up.

Unbalanced serotonin levels can make regulating your mood more difficult. In addition, serotonin influences your body in many other ways, including how well you sleep and how your body responds to stress. This is why it's essential to make sure you take care of yourself and promote your body's natural serotonin production. When your levels are regulated, it will be easier for you to do almost everything in life, including learning, working, and exercising.

To improve your serotonin levels, you first need to improve your overall health. Start by following a healthy diet and exercise routine. From there, you can work on your sleep schedule and get enough sunshine. If you find yourself still having trouble with your moods or lowering your stress levels, then you can turn to supplements and serotonin pills with the guidance of your doctor. Overall, it may take time to see results, but boosting your serotonin levels can help to vastly improve your life.