For some people winter is associated with warm drinks, cosy fires and staying indoors… but for others like me, weather changes, shorter days start a downwards shift in mood and energy levels.
The Symptoms of Serotonin Deficiency:
Anxiety, Impatience, Fatigue, Cognitive impairment, Negative thoughts, Feeling Agitated, Mood Swings, Strong Sugar Cravings, Worrying, Not being able to Sleep, Feeling Sad.. If you have more than 5 of these symptoms this may really help you.
Less sunlight causes a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter- chemical messenger that help the brain to function well, which in turn triggers low mood.
When I first noticed it having an impact, I was in my early twenties. I was told by my GP to buy a sun lamp, which I did but that had other adverse consequences. Knowledge has moved on a lot since then and I have learned so much more about the natural ways to stop some of the physiological and psychological triggers, which can affect your mood due to lack of serotonin.
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR SEROTONIN LEVELS NATURALLY-
IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS
THE RIGHT FOODS-
Lean proteins like turkey, salmon, chicken, fresh fruit and colourful veg cab help boost your serotonin levels. You can check out my Instagram @tracymindbodyfit to see more of my Serotonin Boosting Meals. Avoid sugar, sweets, alcohol, cakes, biscuits.. They all make the situation worse. NEVER cut of carbs. It is a disaster for your brain, mood, health, just eat the ‘right’ ones, which are complex carbs found in natural root vegetables.
GET MOVING MORE-
Exercise is a natural ‘mood’ stimulator. Releasing feel good hormones after about 15 minutes of continuous exercise that gets you out of breathe. Leaving you feeling calmer and happier. Exercise every day for the best results.
GO OUTDOORS-
Light exposure and fresh air have been proven to increase your serotonin levels helping to feel better and get good quality sleep. Aim to get outside every day for at least 1O minutes.
GET A MASSAGE-
The power of human touch is incredibly soothing, calming and relaxing. It ups your serotonin levels, helps to improve your sleep, mood and levels of contentedness.
I hope this has been useful and interesting for you.
Any thoughts send me a private message.
Love to know what you think.
Here is the link to the Group Exercise Class Timetable- boosting your feel good factor through exercise, socialising and proactively changing your brain chemicals 1OO% works every time.
https://www.tracydixonmindandbodyfit.com/class-timetable
Tracy x