Creative Women

Currently, we are living in a dopamine-driven society.  Dopamine is related to behaviors like setting goals, taking risks, materialism, competition, and seeking for new thrills. For example, consider this seemingly small detail- how many times per day do you glance at your phone? Every beep, vibration, or thought of it gives a small rush; it stimulates your dopamine level. 

However, feeling connected to the world and to oneself is driven by the neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Meeting people, touching each other, and having fun together are activities that encourage healthy levels of serotonin. There are some signs of low serotonin. Worrying, consumption of too many carbs and sugars, a need for sugar, sleep deprivation, constipation, feeling down, and perfectionism are a few. In the long term, this can develop into chronic diseases, such as fibromyalgia, migraine, or depression. 

Did you know that 90% of serotonin is produced inside the intestines?  If you thought depression was solely a mental problem, think again. 

How can we boost our serotonin level in our current society, especially in the middle of a global crisis?  A few tips- avoid sugars, instead bake a cake with inulin. Take probiotics and select foods with a high level of tryptophan like bananas, pumpkin, eggs, and herring. Take a break or two! Use a wake-up light instead of an alarm clock. Put on some music, dance, and go crazy!

 Dare to look into the mirror, start laughing, and laugh hard until you just can’t anymore. Just try. And also, put away that phone!

 

 


Kim Henst
Reflexology therapist

International Creative Women

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