Health Articles

3 Natural Ways to Effectively Increase Serotonin and Combat Depression!

When it comes to feeling happy there’s no doubt that serotonin plays a vital role. What I want you to consider is this; there are all natural ways to increase levels of serotonin thereby improving your mood that don’t require a prescription.

According to research practicing acts of kindness, such as volunteering or contributing to charities raises not just your own levels of serotonin but that of the people being helped and anyone who simply witnesses this act of kindness.

In two studies out of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) results showed actual changes in the brain when people are altruistic. This included increased levels of serotonin.

Yes, that’s right. When you volunteer or give money to those in need you are not just helping them you’re making yourself feel better. Now this doesn’t just mean that once a week you can feel good by going to your local shelter and helping out. You can practice altruism in your daily life.

Hold a door for someone, make eye contact and say thank you, ask someone how their day is, pick up a piece of litter on the ground – all of these daily small acts of kindness will really pay off.

Making healthy, good decisions for yourself can also reap large rewards in overall happiness.

#1 Exercise – The more you move the more your body naturally produces serotonin and other neuropeptides that make you feel happy.  If your not already exercising now is a great time to start.  Go for a run, bike ride, or go to the gym and also find a partner because working out is also more fun with a friend.

#2 Eat Healthy Fats – 60% of your brain is made up of fat.  So if you want to have balanced hormones and a boosted mood try Omega-3 Fats.  Salmon, Sardines, Walnuts, and Flaxseeds are all packed with this brain building nutrient that helps improve happiness.

#3 Find Your Purpose - Mother Teresa spent 45 years of her life dedicated to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. She found her purpose in helping the Indian people and made it her life’s work. Rick Warren in his inspirational, life changing book, Purpose Driven Life, says, if we want to experience daily happiness and joy it’s vital to have a life purpose. What are your gifts?  What are you passionate about?  Is there any kind of work you could do all day and the time just flies by?

Take a minute and write down your top 3 strengths, top 3 passions, and top 3 opportunities you have right now to serve or add value to someones life.

Sources:
http://www.serotoninrising.com/project/research.aspx

Dr. Axe's Action Steps

1. Write down your top 3 Strengths, top 3 Passions, top 3 Opportunities to serve someone else.
2. Do those things.