Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Updated: April 5, 2017, 10:17 AM
1/8
Feeling low lately? A little neurotransmitter called serotonin is what you need to make you smile again. This little chemical can lift your mood, control your appetite, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well being. If you feel a little down, try these tricks to instantly boost this happy chemical in your brain.
2/8
Get out, get some early morning sunlight and make sure you leave your sunscreen at home. Without enough sunlight, people living in colder countries face seasonal depression quite aptly named SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) due to low serotonin levels. Sunlight triggers production of serotonin in your body, upping your mood in the process. [1]
3/8
Everybody loves a good massage! If you are sad, all the more reason for you to get some relaxing rub down. A good pair of hands can boost your serotonin by massaging your sadness away; studies says so! [2]
4/8
Nursing mothers should take at least a glassful of milk daily. That promotes breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine consumption. Caffeine is often in the precautionary zone as it disturbs the baby’s sleep, as caffeine is passed through breastfeeding. Sleeplessness and irritability are two signs of caffeine transfer, especially for newborns more sensitive to caffeine.
5/8
Don’t be stingy when it comes to sleep. Studies have established a connection between the quality of sleep and serotonin in the human body. So gift yourself that well-deserved shut eye to elevate your mood. [4]
6/8
Here is one more quality that turmeric can add to its long list of merits. Curcumin the potent antidepressant in turmeric is known to modulate various neurotransmitters that include serotonin. [5] [6] Add a dash of turmeric to a glass of warm milk for a quick mood boost.
7/8
Boost your mood with a generous sprinkling of pepper in your salads, subzis and curries. Piperin, an active compound in pepper, obstructs an enzyme that breaks down serotonin. [7] Combine it with turmeric for added health benefits. [8]
8/8
Next time you need a quick pick me up, head out to the gym or just go running. An excellent way to get that serotonin moving is a good workout. [9]
