Did you hear the one about the two men sitting in deck chairs? No………then how about when a horse trots up to the bar and the barman says: ‘Why the long face’? OK, I’ll give up my attempt to make you laugh or feel good right now. But seriously, when we laugh at a joke or smile in the sunshine, we not only fight off negative vibes. We’re actually feeding off our biological levels of a chemical called, ‘SEROTONIN’
This amazing chemical is responsible for making us feel on top form. But while everyone feels a bit miserable now again, for some people, very low levels of this hormone can be devastating. And this of course is when severe depression can kick in, though of course other factors can also influence this. Scientists aren’t certain whether decreased levels of serotonin contribute to depression or depression causes a drop in serotonin levels.
SO WHAT IS SEROTONIN?
Serotonin is the result of a biochemical conversion process in both the brain and intestines, combining tryptophan, a component of proteins, and tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor. They form 5-hydroxyltryptamine (5-HT), also referred to as serotonin.
WHAT DOES SEROTONIN DO?
The chemical can affect many bodily functions including digestion, mood swings, sexual desire, sleep, memory, and appetite. It also works as a neurotransmitter helping the brain cells both send and receive messages.
We can though, help ourselves by taking steps to help increase levels of serotonin, allowing that feel good feeling to emerge.
PHASE ONE:
1, A healthy and balanced lifestyle is a good start, alongside a diet rich in foods like fish, eggs, beans, nuts and chicken. Anything containing protein is the aim. It’s the old mantra of course, but it never does any harm to live healthily.
2, Let’s get this one in early – yes – boot camp or exercising regularly, does help release feel good hormones. In fact, when you do feel miserable, go for a brisk walk, jog or do anything to get that heart pumping. You won’t suddenly turn into Arnie, but you will literally fight off the blues.
3, It can be difficult, but try and get a little more sleep, as it helps rejuvenate the body and it’s functions. Even if you get up really early, a short power nap will help you feel full of energy again. Avoid excess caffeine, booster drinks and even sugar if you can. If you can’t get eight hours, then try for seven as the very minimum.
4, Take time during the day to think about and appreciate your loved ones, partners, family members and anyone else that makes you feel good. This will make you feel uplifted and increase levels of a chemical called ‘oxytocin’, or the cuddle hormone. It’s actually quite powerful and kicks in when we feel comfort and love etc. We better leave this one there!
5, Make sure to take a highly rated Omega and Fish oil supplement in capsule form or otherwise. This will be good for both the brain and heart anyway, but it’ll also massively help the production of serotonin.
So what do you think of it so far? No it’s not rubbish! All of the things we’ve already mentioned should be just part of your lifestyle in any case. It’s not rocket science and those first five items will build you a great foundation.
AS THEY SAY IN ALL THE BEST ADS, ‘HERE’S THE SCIENCE.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Jeffrey Meyer, At the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in America, carried out a fascinating research study. They wanted to understand how the chemical imbalance occurring in major depression worked. The researchers discovered, elevated enzyme levels of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) was responsible. This explained why different people suffering from depression lost brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine at varying rates. This resulted in a new monoamine model of depression.
PHASE TWO:
1, We’ve all done it, but if you’re feeling low try and resist the temptation to binge, or consume a sugary treat. These will do nothing to boost your levels of serotonin – you’ll feel content for a little while, but as soon as this wears off all you have to show are extra unburned calories.
2, Think positive thoughts – yes I know it may sound a bit whacky, but it truly works, and is actually helping your brain to function well and send a good balance of chemicals across your body including serotonin. Why? Because it automatically makes us feel better about ourselves. Negativity is both tiring and draining psychologically.
3, We may have mentioned diet, but the right amount of fatty acids found in eggs, nuts, avocados and fish oils will assist the production of serotonin. This means not over-eating, but balancing the acids with other essential dietary needs.
4, Try and live a fulfilled life – play with the dog, do activities with the kids, help the old lady next door – do good things for others if you can. This all goes back to our brain function and helps to release the feel good hormone. As business magnate Sir Richard Branson says: Switch off the TV – get out and do something – hey it works!
5, Every day say to yourself – ‘I must do something positive to increase my serotonin levels’ – ‘I’m banishing negativity from my life’ – ‘Whatever happens I have the priceless gift of life’.
So the next time you’re feeling a little down in the mouth – Think of the ‘S’ word – you’ll feel better in seconds.
Remember…
‘The Purpose in life is to be happy’ Delai Lama