Serotonin
When was the last time you felt happy and calm without any reason?
Maybe while walking in the soft morning sunlight, by sitting by yourself in the park, or while doing daily your household chores.
That quiet joy is not only in the mind, it is also in the body.
Today, I’m going to tell you about the chemical messenger responsible for that feeling. It is serotonin, which is also called the happy hormone.
Connection Between Happiness and Serotonin
Our Rishis knew about this, and now science is measuring all these things.
They find that happiness is cultivated from within. They find that serotonin plays a role in sleep, mood, digestion, and even memory.
The World Health Organization even tells us that more than 300 million people all over the world suffer from depression, and often this is related to serotonin imbalance.
Did you know that 90% of serotonin is actually produced in the gut, not the brain? This is why digestion and diet influence our emotions so deeply.
How Gut and Brain Work Together
In fact, studies show that people with poor gut health are more likely to become depressed than more anxious.
So you see how the gut and brain are connected.
When one is disturbed the other feels it. How can we naturally increase serotonin?
Boosting Serotonin With Sunlight and Yoga
The simplest way is to step out in the morning under sunlight. Just 15 to 20 minutes of early sunlight stimulates serotonin.
No wonder our elders recommend Surya Namaskar, facing the sun.
It is not just exercise, it also has a scientific reason. Here, asans and pranayams are equally powerful.
Postures like yoga, the Setu Bandhasan, Chakrasan, Padmasan, with deep breathing, stimulate your nervous system and encourage serotonin release.
Role of Sleep and Diet
Just a few weeks of yoga and meditation have shown remarkable results in increasing serotonin and reducing symptoms of depression.
Simply sitting tall with your spine straight can also enhance serotonin and improve your confidence. We call this Aishwarya Bhava.
Sleep is another important factor here. Those who sleep less have lesser serotonin compared to those who have a longer restful sleep.
This is why going to bed early and waking early is important.
It’s not only about the tradition, it is about our biology.
Food which has more tryptophan, such as bananas, nuts, seeds, milk, blood and pulses, help your body produce serotonin.
Fermented foods like idli, dosa, and homemade pickles also nourish your gut microbiome. And this helps in serotonin production.
Human Touch, Gratitude, and Nature
Even simple human touch makes the difference.
A warm hug, cuddling with baby, or a self-massage with oil, in Ayurveda called abhyang, all stimulate serotonin.
Being grateful and offering service help are also powerful. Just be kind to others in whatever way you can with your words or action.
I recommend selfless help with no expectation in return. Indian culture always encourages such internal joy.
Morning Mistake That’s Ruining Your Health
Music or chanting also help in brightening your mood. Listen to bhajans, classical ragas, or chant some mantras.
This is known to alter your brain waves and increase serotonin. The vibrations soothe your nervous system.
And spending time with nature is the oldest medicine of all.
Walking barefoot on grass, sitting beneath a tree, or growing a small garden in your living space increases serotonin.
Living in Rhythm With Nature
Some Japanese experts say forest bathing is good. Our rishis used to say living with prakriti or nature is best for your health.
Remember, happiness is not something we need to chase outside.
It’s not about finding ways to entertain yourself or about satisfying your cravings.
Happiness is something which we cultivate daily within ourselves.
This hormone serotonin is just your body’s natural reminder that peace and joy are always possible.
Every moment, and even now, only when we live in rhythm with nature, our scriptures call it Santosh. Remember, joy is our natural state.
FAQs
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What is serotonin also called?
Serotonin is also called the happy hormone because it influences sleep, mood, digestion, and memory.
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Where is most serotonin produced?
About 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain.
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How does sunlight help serotonin?
Early morning sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes naturally stimulates serotonin production.
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Can yoga and pranayam increase serotonin?
Yes, postures like Setu Bandhasan, Chakrasan, Padmasan, and deep breathing encourage serotonin release.
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How does poor gut health affect mood?
Studies show that people with poor gut health are more likely to become depressed or anxious because the gut and brain are closely connected.
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Does sleep affect serotonin levels?
Yes, lesser sleep reduces serotonin, while longer restful sleep improves it.
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Which foods support serotonin?
Foods with tryptophan like bananas, nuts, seeds, milk, pulses, and fermented foods like idli and dosa help in serotonin production.
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Does spending time in nature increase serotonin?
Yes, walking barefoot on grass, sitting under a tree, or forest bathing improves your serotonin levels.
