【Sad News】Serotonin: ‘It's winter, so I'm taking a break’
📖Author: Nao
Hello, it’s Nao here. Winter has well and truly arrived, and I’ve got my hibernation preparations all sorted.
It seems my chances to soak up the sun have dwindled, and it looks like serotonin—that brain chemical said to be our happiness hormone—is keen to take a rest. A proper rest, it seems.
Serotonin: ‘Yeah, I want to rest!’ Blimey, this blighter’s suddenly started talking!?
But the problem is, serotonin taking a break is a matter of life and death for our happiness hormones!
Serotonin: ‘What?! But I want to rest! There doesn’t seem to be any sunlight anyway (teehee)’
Honestly, it’s a real bother, isn’t it? Oh dear
Today, for such troublesome times, there’s a way to forcefully activate Mr Serotonin.
Serotonin: ‘What!?’
Methods to Forcefully Increase Serotonin Levels
Even if Serotonin wants to rest, there are ways to forcefully increase its levels. These are the three methods:
Method 1: Force yourself to soak up sunlight relentlessly, even in winter
Sunlight will boost Mr Serotonin, even if you have to force it.
Therefore,
Even with short daylight hours, just seek out the sun’s rays! Serotonin: ‘Ehh, but I hate winter!’
Method 2: Move around constantly to force serotonin secretion
Moving at a steady rhythm also triggers serotonin secretion
Chewing food thoroughly or activities like walking are also effective.
Additionally, there’s a breathing technique that boosts serotonin in just 5 minutes.
→ Activate Your Happiness Hormones with Just 5 Minutes of “ZEN Breathing” Serotonin: ‘I hate moving, but I suppose I could manage breathing?’
Method 3: Consume Meals Containing Tryptophan and Vitamin B6
To boost serotonin intake effectively, combine foods rich in tryptophan and vitamin B6 – which help synthesise serotonin – with carbohydrates like rice or bread to enhance absorption.
Foods containing tryptophan
- Soy products such as tofu, natto, miso, and soy sauce
- Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yoghurt
- Rice
- Sesame seeds, peanuts
- Eggs
- Bananas
Foods containing vitamin B6
- Oily fish (such as tuna)
- Lean meats like fillet or chicken breast (chicken, etc.)
- Bananas
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown rice Serotonin: ‘Food is most welcome!’
Summary
So, even if Mr Serotonin wants to hibernate in winter, there are ways to boost his levels, even if it means forcing the issue. Serotonin: ‘The world is always unreasonable!’ With that in mind, let’s maximise our happiness hormones by increasing Mr Serotonin and get through winter.
Serotonin: ‘Even so, this humble self does not wish to work!!!’
※This article is not intended to replace medical treatment.
If you experience persistent mental health symptoms, we recommend consulting a specialist institution.